Steve Cherundolo selects 23 players for first U.S. U-23 Olympic campaign

Steve Cherundolo named his first roster for the United States men's under-23 national team on Thursday, marking the start of the program's push toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. The 23 players were selected to compete in two upcoming friendly matches against Scotland and Ukraine. The group will report to the Arthur M. Blank National Training Center, where they will train alongside the senior national team.

The squad features a high level of senior team experience. Six players on the list have previously been called up to the full U.S. national team. Four of those players earned caps during the recent September and October international window. Benjamin Cremaschi of Parma Calcio 1913 in Italy is also on the roster. He participated in the 2024 Olympic tournament and remains eligible for the 2028 competition.

Eight players on the roster currently play for clubs outside the United States. The remaining players are based in domestic leagues. The training camp setup mirrors the structure used recently by the U.S. women's national team. This arrangement allows both Cherundolo and senior team head coach Mauricio Pochettino to evaluate both squads simultaneously. The overlap creates an opportunity for player movement between the two groups, given the age profiles of the senior roster.

Cherundolo described the group as talented and polished. He stated that the team is eager to establish its identity and build a foundation for the four-year cycle. "We're very excited to bring this talented and polished group of players together and begin our journey toward the 2028 Olympic Games," Cherundolo said. "Our first international matches will be a great opportunity to challenge ourselves, compete, and grow together as a team."

The roster includes three goalkeepers, eight defenders, six midfielders, and six forwards. Julian Eyestone of Rotherham United in England leads the goalkeeper group. Defenders include Luca Bombino of Stoke City in England and Robert Deziel Jr. of Legia Warszawa in Poland. Midfielders feature Taha Habroune of the Columbus Crew and Brooklyn Raines of the New England Revolution. The forward line includes Andre Gitau of 1FSV Mainz 05 in Germany and Marvin Dills of Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany.

The selection process reflects the depth available to the coaching staff. The Olympic competition rules allow for three overage players in the final 23-man squad. With such a large pool of experienced athletes, competition for spots within the camp will be intense from the first day. The matches against Scotland and Ukraine serve as the initial test for Cherundolo's tactical approach and player selection.