The March USYNT Roster Is Finally Here

Here is a look at the USYNT roster ahead of camp in Florida. These 21 players will have a six day training camp to keep the group together. This is the first time the squad has linked up in 2024, and there are many new faces both from MLS and USL clubs. It will be interesting to see how this camp plays out for the side.

What On Earth Is Going On In Salt Lake

Real Salt Lake is under fire for their immense roster sizes. They currently have forty four players included on their U17 roster, but is this really an issue and is there more to this story. Throughout the past couple of weeks, insiders have provided us with information regarding the topic, and wether this is geared towards to future or if it is hindering youth development.

As we mention the Real Salt Lake U17 squad has forty one players on it, but this seems a lot worse than it actually is. Real Salt Lake also has a U16 squad who played at MLS Next Fest. While this may seem insignificant as they only played three games, these kids are still getting exposure to college coaches. In addition to this, many players listed on this roster are/will be involved in Real Salt Lake’s MLS Next Pro team this upcoming season. Players like Zavier Gozo, Luca Moisa, Omar Marquez, Gio Villa and Sean Petrie have already signed professional contracts with either Real Salt Lake or Real Monarchs. Real Salt Lake is also known as one of the premier competeteiros in MLS Next. They appeared in back to back MLS Next semifinals, and played in the finals back in 2022. This allows for them to become a premier spot for academy recruits; meaning many players want to play there.

On the flip, many players are not being given a chance to showcase themselves at a crucial time for college soccer recruiting. This has become a major point of talking in the community as many players feel as if they are being treated unfairly. Surprisingly enough, Real Salt Lake began the season with even more players than they currently have. Multiple players have left due to insufficient opportunities. Reports have also come in about possible false promises within the club, but there is nothing that has been confirmed.

Two Dual National Battles With Mexico

As the impending approach under-20 CONCACAF Championships big news has broken in the past couple of days from various media outlets regarding two Mexican-American players. Cruz Medina and Fidel Barajas have stolen the spotlight over the past couple days for their International situations. We touched on Barajas in our last edition, but it was just announced that Cruz Medina has joined the Mexican Under-20s in Mexico for camp. In addition, Fidel Barajas is reportedly set to play for each national team this month. He will temporarily be with Mexico, and then with the United States In Florida. 

Cruz Medina has been a lock at nearly every single USYNT camp for the 2006 age group. Medina played as the number 10 for the USYNT at the U17 World Cup, and he scored one goal as well as captained the side for one match. Medina plays his club ball for the San Jose Earthquakes. Medina is yet to make his regular season MLS debut, but he did appear in a friendly against Celta Vigo during European preseason. 

As for Barajas, he was originally a teammate of Cruz Medina at the San Jose Earthquakes. The pair tore it up before Barajas eventually left the Quakes for the Charleston Battery. Barajas broke into the USL last season when he won the Young Player of the Year. At only 17, he was already leading the league in assists. Barajas earned a move back to the MLS to Real Salt Lake where he has made two appearances in two matches.