Kevin Paredes Named to U.S. Men’s National Team for 2024 Paris Games

Posted on July 8, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Kevin Paredes is headed to Paris to compete at his first-ever Olympic Games.

The 21-year-old Dominican American professional soccer player, who plays left wing-back or left winger for Bundesliga club VfL Wolfsburg and the United States national team, appears on the 18-player roster for the United States men’s Olympic team (USMNT), as revealed by manager Marko Mitrović.

Paredes, the 2023 U.S. Soccer Young Male Player of the Year, is among the five forwards named to the USMNT for the 2024 Paris Games.

In August 2023, Paredes received his first call-up to the United States senior national team by head coach Gregg Berhalter, for two friendly matches against Uzbekistan and Oman. In all, he’s made three appearances.

The men’s Olympic soccer tournament is restricted to players under the age of 23, but it does allow for three “overage” players. Colorado Rapids midfielder Djordje Mihailovic, FC Cincinnati defender Miles Robinson and Nashville defender Walker Zimmerman will fill each of those spots. The remainder of the roster comprises players born on or after Jan. 1, 2001.

This summer’s tournament in Paris marks the first time that the U.S. men have qualified for the Olympics since 2008.

The roster is also bolstered by midfielders Gianluca Busio and Tanner Tessmann, both of whom helped lead Venezia in its successful bid to gain promotion to Italy’s Serie A last season.

“Today is a special day for us. We announced our roster and we are excited to go to the Olympic Games,” Mitrović said. “We are going there after 16 years [of not qualifying] on the men’s side, but also we are very excited that we are going to be together with our women’s team after almost two decades.”

Because the Olympics don’t qualify as an official FIFA competition, club teams aren’t required to release players for the tournament.

“We all know that it was actually a really difficult process in the last eight to 10 months, first talking to the clubs and trying to get all the players released,” said Mitrović. “Yes, there was challenges, but however we’d end up [it was] with the roster that we really believe that can represent us in the best possible way. And I feel very, very good about team that is going to the Paris.”

That explains, in part, why the vast majority of players from the USMNT who just competed in the Copa América aren’t on the roster. Robinson is the lone exception.

Those limitations presented a challenge for Mitrović in terms of constructing the roster. But of those players that were named, 15 of the 18 have made appearances for the full U.S. men’s national team, with Zimmerman, a veteran of the 2022 World Cup squad, leading the way with 42 appearances.

Ten of the players are currently contracted with Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs, with the remainder playing in Europe.

The last U.S. team to participate, in 2008, was led by former USMNT stalwarts Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore. They narrowly missed out on qualifying for the medal round.

This time around, the U.S. men qualified by virtue of winning the 2022 Concacaf Under-20 Championship. From that team, only the Philadelphia Union‘s Jack McGlynn and FC Utrecht‘s Paxten Aaronson made the final Olympic squad.

All of the U.S.’s group stage games in the 16-team tournament will be played in Marseille, with the opener taking place on July 24 — two days before the opening ceremony — against the host country France.

That will be followed by matches against New Zealand on July 27, followed by the group stage finale against Guinea three days later.

If the U.S. qualifies for the medal round, it will play the quarterfinals in either Paris or Bordeaux.

The semifinals will be held in Marseille and Décines-Charpieu — just outside of Lyon. The final will be held in Paris on Aug. 9 with the bronze medal match being held in Nantes a day earlier.

The U.S. will prepare for the Games in Bordeaux at the home of Ligue 2 side Bordeaux from July 9-20 before moving to Marseille ahead of its opening match.

U.S. OLYMPIC MEN’S SOCCER TEAM ROSTER BY POSITION (CLUB; HOMETOWN)

Goalkeepers (2): Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew; St. Charles, Missouri), Gaga Slonina (Chelsea/ENG; Addison, Ill.)

Defenders (6): Maximilian Dietz (Greuther Furth/GER; Frankfurt, Germany), Nathan Harriel (Philadelphia Union; Oldsmar, Florida), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati; Arlington, Massachusetts), John Tolkin (New York Red Bulls; Chatham, New Jersey), Caleb Wiley (Atlanta United FC; Atlanta), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC; Lawrenceville, Georgia)

Midfielders (5): Gianluca Busio (Venezia/ITA; Greensboro, North Carolina), Benjamin Cremaschi (Inter Miami CF; Key Biscayne, Florida), Jack McGlynn (Philadelphia Union; New York), Djordje Mihailovic (Colorado Rapids; Jacksonville, Florida), Tanner Tessmann (Venezia/ITA; Birmingham, Alabama)

Forwards (5): Paxten Aaronson (FC Utrecht/NED; Medford, New Jersey), Taylor Booth (FC Utrecht/NED; Eden, Utah), Duncan McGuire (Orlando City SC; Omaha, Nebraska), Kevin Paredes (Wolfsburg/GER; South Riding, Virginia), Griffin Yow (KVC Westerlo/BEL; Clifton, Virginia)

Alternates (4): Josh Atencio (Midfielder, Seattle Sounders FC; Bellevue, Washington), Jacob Davis (Defender, Sporting Kansas City; Rochester, Michigan), Johan Gomez (Forward, Eintracht Braunschweig/GER; Keller, Texas), John Pulskamp (Goalkeeper, Sporting Kansas City; Bakersfield, California)

Brandon Vázquez to Reportedly Join Liga MX’s C.F. Monterrey

Posted on January 3, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Brandon Vázquez s headed south of the border…

The 25-year-old Mexican American professional soccer player, a forward for the United States and FC Cincinnati, is set to join Liga MX‘s C.F. Monterrey after agreeing to contract details on Wednesday, according to ESPN MX.

Monterrey and Cincinnati reached a deal last week for the player, who’ll sign a four-year contract with the Mexican club and arrive for preseason training in the coming days.

The Athletic was the first to report the story, adding that the fee for Vazquez will be in the region of $7.5 million with another $1 million in potential add-ons and a sell-on clause.

Vazquez reportedly had interest from European clubs, as well as from Liga MX powerhouses Chivas, which attempted to sign the player in 2023.

Before eventually agreeing to a contract deal with fellow Liga MX side Monterrey, the striker told ESPN last summer that he believed Cincinnati would provide “the fastest route and best route to get to Europe” after a deal was turned down for Chivas.

Thanks to his 28 goals scored in his last two seasons, the forward earned an MLS All-Star appearance in 2022 and a Supporters’ Shield titl in 2023 with FC Cincinnati, which lost to eventual champions Columbus Crew in the semifinals of the MLS Cup playoffs.

He previously played for Atlanta United FC (2017-19), where he clinched an MLS Cup title in 2018 and a U.S. Open Cup title in 2019, although Vazquez had a minimal role with just three goals in just as many MLS seasons.

A native of Chula Vista, California, Vazquez was developed as a Liga MX youth academy product across the border with Club Tijuana, but only made one appearance for the senior team through a domestic cup match.

Eligible for both Mexico and the United States at the international level, Vazquez eventually made his senior debut for the USMNT in 2022 and has gone on to collect four goals across eight USMNT appearances.

Vazquez told ESPN in 2023 that “nobody” from the Mexican federation had reached out to him before he committed his future to the U.S.

Real Betis to Sign Johnny Cardoso from Brazil’s Internacional Club

Posted on October 25, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Johnny Cardoso is headed to Spain…

The 22-year-old Brazilian American soccer play and United States men’s national team midfielder has agreed to a deal with Real Betis.

The LaLiga side will pay an initial €6 million ($6.3m) to sign Cardoso from Brazilian club Internacional, according to ESPN Brasil.

As part of the deal, Internacional will earn 20% from any future transfer of the player.

Cardosa will leave Internacional at the end of the 2023 Brazilian season and sign a five-year contract with Real Betis, sources said.

Cardoso has scored two goals in 46 appearances in all competitions for Internacional this season.

He broke into Internacional’s first team in January 2020 and earlier this year extended his contract with the Porto Alegre-based club until December 2026.

Born in New Jersey to Brazilian parents, Cardoso opted to represent the United States and has made nine appearances for the senior national team (USMNT).

Although he failed to earn a place in coach Gregg Berhalter‘s squad for the 2022 World Cup, he featured in both of the USMNT‘s friendlies against Germany and Ghana earlier this month.

Real Betis, coached by Manuel Pellegrini, are ninth in LaLiga with three wins and two defeats in 10 games.

PSV Eindhoven Announces Signing of Ricardo Pepi from FC Augsburg

Posted on July 7, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Ricardo Pepi is switching sides…

PSV Eindhoven has announced the signing of the 20-year-old Mexican American professional soccer player and United States striker from Bundesliga side FC Augsburg.

Pepi previously starred in the Netherlands while on loan at FC Groningen last season, where he scored 13 goals in 31 appearances in all competitions.

ESPN reported last month that Pepi had signed a five-year deal with PSV after the Dutch side agreed a transfer fee of €9 million ($9.8m) with Augsburg.

Philips Sport Vereniging is a Dutch sports club has played in the Eredivisie, the top tier in Dutch football, since its inception in 1956.

“I am incredibly happy and excited to be here,” Pepi said in a statement on Friday. “I believe this is the right step for my career.

“PSV is a club with great ambitions, and I share the same desire to win trophies. I am a hardworking player who is willing to put in the dirty work. I prefer to have the ball close to the goal because that’s when I can score goals.”

Pepi has 15 caps for the USMNT, during which he has scored seven goals and helped the side win last month’s CONCACAF Nations League.

“Ricardo is still very young, so this transfer is also an investment for the future,” PSV head coach Peter Bosz said.

Jesus Ferreira Becomes First U.S. Men’s National Team Player to Score Consecutive Hat Tricks in International Competition

Posted on July 3, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Jesus Ferreira has entered the soccer history books…

he 22-year-old Colombian soccer player and United States Men’s National Team star scored three first-half goals against Trinidad and Tobago to become the first U.S. men’s national team player to score consecutive hat tricks in international competition.

The six combined goals came in an 88-minute period at the Gold Cup, with the first three coming on Wednesday against St. Kitts and Nevis in St. Louis, as the U.S. cruised past Trinidad & Tobago 6-0 to win its group on goal difference after finishing level on points with Jamaica in Group A.

“I’m happy. I’m excited,” Ferreira said after the game. “Obviously, this is a team objective. I wouldn’t be able to score goals without my teammates putting me in situations where I can score goals.

“So, from the beginning, we knew that this game was going to be intense. We have to bring the intensity, we have to be the team that can set the tempo and I think we did that.”

Ferreira also became just the second player in USMNT history with three career hat tricks, joining the team’s joint all-time leading scorer Landon Donovan.

No other player, regardless of country, has multiple career Gold Cup hat tricks, according to ESPN Stats & Information research.

“When I see his movement and his confidence in the penalty box, you can tell that the game has slowed down for him,” U.S. interim coach B.J. Callaghan said. “All of the work that he’s doing, leading our line defensively, dropping down, helping buildup play, for me he’s having a really complete tournament.”

Ferreira gave the U.S. the lead in the 14th minute from a DeJuan Jones assist and doubled the lead in the 38th minute before a penalty in stoppage time completed the hat trick.

Cade Cowell, Gianluca Busio and Brandon Vazquez all scored second-half goals for the U.S. to finish off the 6-0 victory and the team will now await the results from Group D on Tuesday to see who it will play in the quarterfinals.

Giovanni Reyna Helps Lead United States to Concacaf Nations League Crown

Posted on June 19, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Giovanni Reyna is celebrating an important assist…

Heading home the 20-year-old half-Argentine American soccer player’s corner, Chris Richards put the United States Men’s National Team early on Sunday to help the team retain its Concacaf Nations League crown.

Another first-half goal from Folarin Balogun cemented the Americans’ 2-0 victory over Canada.

Richards put the USMNT on top in the 12th minute, Balogun then doubled the advantage in the 34th minute with a deft finish from Reyna’s through ball that got past Milan Borjan in the Canada goal.

Reyna dished two assists and conducted the big victory over Canada, which earned the U.S. a second consecutive Nations League title.

With hair bleached blond and swagger oozing, Reyna pulled strings from his midfield position with remarkable ease. He spun Canadian counterparts in circles. He directed traffic with his hands, eyes and precocious footballing brain.

And he unlocked a somewhat bolted game, first with a skill that the USMNT had sorely missed in his absence. He served an out-swinging corner up to a perfect far-post location, and Richards attacked it with gusto.

Canada did what it could to get back in the game, and enjoyed a hefty 62-38 edge in possession. But despite finding star attacker Alphonso Davies in some good positions, the visitors were unable to make a dent in the U.S. lead. U.S. interim manager B.J. Callaghan went to a five-man back line late on and, despite some tense moments, the hosts were able to see out the match and hoist the Nations League trophy once again.

Alejandro Zendejas Commits to United States Men’s National Soccer Team

Posted on March 14, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Alejandro Zendejas is picking sides…

The 25-year-old Mexican soccer star, a dual national, says he is committing to the United States national team over Mexico.

Zendejas, who plays forward, made his U.S. debut in a January 25 exhibition against Serbia but remained eligible to ask FIFA for a one-time switch of affiliation to Mexico.

“I am excited for this next chapter, and earning my place with the USMNT,” Zendejas said. “Thank you to everyone for the incredible support.”

The announcement concludes a bizarre tug-of-war between the U.S. and Mexico, one in which Zendejas initially played for the U.S. at the youth level, including at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup, where he was a teammate of Christian Pulisic and Tyler Adams.

But upon joining Liga MX side Chivas in 2016, Zendejas said he would reject future U.S. call-ups and would play for Mexico.

Zendejas went on to play for El Tri at the youth level, and later the full Mexico national team in a pair of friendlies against Ecuador in 2021 and Guatemala in 2022.

But Zendejas never filed the required one-time switch with FIFA to become eligible to play for Mexico, which was necessary because he had played for the U.S. in official competition.

Mexico was ordered to forfeit five matches (three at the youth level) and fined 10,000 Swiss francs ($10,900) by FIFA for using Zendejas while he was affiliated with the United States.

That development saw Zendejas return to the U.S. fold, and he played in the January friendly earlier this year against Serbia.

Now he will be available to play for the U.S. in the CONCACAF Nations League games later this month.

“I am very proud of being Mexican-American. Values from both cultures have made me the person I am today,” Zendejas said in a statement Tuesday. “Making a decision on your international career is very difficult, and I believe in following your heart. Mine tells me that my future lies representing the USA.”

Zendejas was born in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, but was raised in El Paso, Texas. He is a product of the FC Dallas Academy, and he made his team debut with the club in 2015.

He made his MLS debut against Houston on May 1, 2015, and transferred to Chivas in June 2016, then went on loan to Zacatepec in June 2017. Zendejas transferred to Necaxa in June 2020 and to Club America in January 2022.

His aforementioned move to Chivas saw him struggle for playing time, but the loan to Zacatepec saw Zendejas find his footing in the pro game, and he eventually moved to Necaxa on a free transfer.

After scoring 11 goals in 50 league matches, Zendejas moved to Club America in January 2022. He has been a steady and at times spectacular contributor for the Aguilas, scoring 13 goals in 43 league matches.

In terms of the USMNT, Zendejas will provide additional depth at the wing positions, but he faces stiff competition from the likes of Chelsea’s Pulisic, Borussia Dortmund’s Giovanni Reyna, Leeds United’s Brenden Aaronson and Lille’s Timothy Weah.

Chris Armas Joining Coaching Team at Leeds United

Posted on January 25, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Chris Armas is ready to leed(s)…

The 50-year-old Puerto Rican professional soccer coach and former player will join the coaching team of fellow American Jesse Marsch at Leeds United.

The former Toronto FC and New York Red Bulls coach was most recently an assistant coach at Manchester United, working under Ralf Rangnick last season.

The former USMNT international and MLS player is expected to be in the dugout for Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup round four tie at Accrington Stanley, subject to obtaining a work permit.

About the appointment, Leeds United head coach Marsch said: “He will be a fantastic addition to the staff, he brings a wealth of experience from across the world and having worked closely with him previously, I am sure he will help us to improve every day.”

Director of football Victor Orta added: “We always have constant ideas to improve the team around Jesse and with Chris it is a perfect fit, they have both worked together in the past and he has experience of working in the Premier League.

“Chris was one of the best ever players in the history of the United States and his determination and skills will add value to our club and we are really happy he has joined us.”

Armas won 66 caps for the USMNT alongside a playing career that included spells with LA Galaxy and Chicago Fire. He played alongside Marsch at Chicago Fire. He also took over at NYRB as head coach when Marsch left for RB Leipzig in 2018.

Leeds has American players Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson in its team, and has been linked with a move for another U.S. international, Weston McKennie.

U.S. National Team Calls Up Mexican Dual Citizen Alejandro Zendejas

Posted on January 17, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Alejandro Zendejas is heading north…

The 24-year-old Mexican professional footballer has beene called up for the first time by the senior United States national team, according to Futbol Americas hosts Herculez Gomez and Sebastian Salazar.

Zendejas, a dual citizen who plays for Liga MX‘s Club America is joioned by Brandon Vazquez of FC Cincinnati on the roster.

The sources said that the two soccer up-and-comers are on the list for this month’s camp in Los Angeles ahead of friendlies with Serbia at Banc of California Stadium on January 25, and Colombia at Carson’s Dignity Health Sports Park on Jan. 28.

The full U.S. squad is expected to be released on Wednesday, with World Cup assistant Anthony Hudson set to oversee the side for the camp and friendlies.

Vazquez, a 2022 MLS All-Star said last year that he’s open to Mexico or the United States, but hinted at this month’s MLS Media Day that a decision had already been made.

“It’s a big milestone for me,” Vazquez told MLSsoccer.com about earning a chance with the USMNT’s January camp.

“I mean, growing up with the [U.S.] national team, and then seeing other teammates get the opportunity and thriving with the men’s national team, and not being there, sometimes I compare, you know? So I always wish I’m there, too. I’ve been wanting to get there for a long time.”

Vazquez, who was a part of the U.S. youth national team setup, also noted that there’s “still no conversation” with the Mexican federation and that “nobody’s called.”

Zendejas has represented both Mexico and the United States at youth level and made two senior appearances for El Tri in late 2021 and early 2022. Last August, ESPN Mexico reported that FIFA were investigating the eligibility of the player who had allegedly yet to file a one-time switch with Mexico.

In September, a representative from U.S. Soccer confirmed to ESPN that they were following Zendejas’ development, after his involvement in the youth setup.

While Vazquez is in MLS’ preseason, a possible hurdle for Zendejas is two upcoming home games for America in Mexico City against Puebla on Jan. 21 and Mazatlan on Jan. 28. Due to the USMNT camp and friendlies landing on non-FIFA dates, Club America does not have to release Zendejas.

FC Dallas’ Jesus Ferreira Named the MLS Young Player of the Year

Posted on October 18, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Jesus Ferreira is celebrating a major MLS honor…

The 21-year-old Colombia professional soccer player, a forward for FC Dallas, has been named the MLS Young Player of the Year after matching the franchise record for goals in a season.

Ferreira scored 18 goals to share the record with Jason Kreis (1999) and Kenny Cooper (2008). The 18 goals tied for fourth best in Major League Soccer this season, with Nashville SC‘s Hany Mukhtar leading the league with 23.

Ferreira also netted a goal from the penalty spot during Dallas’ shootout win over Minnesota United FC in the MLS playoffs on Monday night.

The YPOTY award is given out to players age 22 and under and was known as Rookie of the Year until being changed in 2020.

Ferreira received 32.4 percent of the votes from a panel of players, technical staff and media.

Atlanta United midfielder Thiago Almada (17.3 percent) finished second and FC Cincinnati forward Brenner (8.2 percent) was third.

Ferreira also had six assists while playing in 33 matches (29 starts) this season. He has 36 goals and 22 assists in 114 career matches (97 starts) for FC Dallas.

Ferreira, who turns 22 on December 24, made his MLS debut at age 16 during the 2017 season.

The United States men’s national team is also expecting Ferreira to be a key contributor for Gregg Berhalter at the World Cup in Qatar. He became the fifth player in USMNT history to score four goals in a match when he turned the trick against Grenada on June 11 in a CONCACAF match.

Almada, 21, had six goals and 12 assists in 29 matches (25 starts) this season, while Brenner, 22, had 18 goals and six assists in 29 matches (22 starts).

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