The 2008-born version of the U-17 U.S. team comes together for its second-to-last camp before the U-17 World Cup in November. It’s important to clarify that after this World Cup, the 2009 age group will take over as the U-17s for the cycle.
Head coach Gonzalo Segares has called in a remarkably talented group, with nearly every top player available for this camp. If he can bring a roster close to this level to the World Cup, the U.S. should be set for an exciting tournament. The team will play two friendlies against the Netherlands on September 5 and 8.
The roster
GK – Aidan Stokes, New York Red Bulls (#17 2008 prospect)
GK – William Lodmell, Sporting CP
RB – Gio Villa, Real Salt Lake (#18 2008 prospect)
RB – Oliver Tan, Famalicão
CB – Ian James, Sporting KC (#5 2008 prospect)
CB – Ramiz Hamouda, Birmingham Legion (#9 2008 prospect)
CB – Enrique Martinez, LA Galaxy
LB – Pedro Guimarães, Orange County SC
LB – Ryan Hartley, LA Galaxy
CM – Jude Terry, LAFC (#1 2008 prospect)
CM – Cooper Sanchez, Atlanta United
CM – Luca Moisa, Real Salt Lake
CM – Mateo Tsakiris, LA Galaxy
AM – Cavan Sullivan, Philadelphia Union (#1 2009 prospect)
AM – Maximo Carrizo, NYCFC (#7 2008 prospect)
AM – Kellan LeBlanc, Philadelphia Union
W – Mathis Albert, Borussia Dortmund (#2 2009 prospect)
W – Nimfasha Berchimas, Charlotte FC (#4 2008 prospect)
W – Jamir Johnson, Philadelphia Union (#13 2008 prospect)
W/CF – Julian Hall, New York Red Bulls (#2 2008 prospect)
CF – Chase Adams, Columbus Crew (#11 2008 prospect)
Top eligible players not on the roster
GK – Jack Kortkamp, Sporting KC (#19 2008 prospect)
Kortkamp has led the GK1 race, but appears out with an injury. This opens the door for Stokes and Lodmell to impress.
CB – Christopher Cupps, Chicago Fire (#6 2008 prospect)
A preferred starter at center-back, Cupps started for Chicago’s first team last weekend and was likely not released. Segares seems focused on ensuring his release for the World Cup.
LB – Jordan Griffin, Philadelphia Union
There has been rotation behind Guimarães. Griffin may still be the best second option, but it’s unlikely Segares keeps two natural left-backs.
CM – Cristiano Oliveira, New England Revolution (#16 2008 prospect)
Performing well in MLS Next Pro, Oliveira is among the top four # 6/8 profiles in this age group and merits another look.
CM – Jack Mize, unattached
Mize’s unclear club situation likely factored into his omission.
AM/W/CM – Lionel Gitau, Houston Dynamo (#14 2008 prospect)
Gitau’s issue is positional fit. With Sullivan and Carrizo in the squad, his best role as an attacking midfielder is blocked. He’s been tried as a winger, but that’s not his strongest spot. Still a top-20 talent, his versatility remains underutilized.
W – Eric Preston, LA Galaxy
Has made a strong push in recent camps but faces a stacked winger group.
W – Gabriel Wesseh, Atlanta United (#20 2008 prospect)
A breakout in MLS Next Pro this season, but again, tough to crack this deep winger pool.
CF – Austyn Jones, PSV (#15 2008 prospect)
After one U.S. camp, Jones hasn’t been recalled despite strong PSV form. His scoring record suggests he deserves another chance.
Top players provisionally tied elsewhere
RB – Wes Okoduwa, Wolves (tied to England) (#10 2008 prospect)
DM – Decarlo Guerra, LAFC (tied to Guatemala) (#12 2008 prospect)
DM – Landon Emenalo, Chelsea (tied to England) (#8 2008 prospect)
CF – Alexander Staff, Eintracht Frankfurt (tied to Germany) (#3 2008 prospect)
Player receiving first camp
LB – Ryan Hartley, LA Galaxy
The only first-time inclusion, Hartley is part of Segares’ ongoing search for depth at left-back. Interestingly, he hasn’t featured in MLS Next Pro—a common benchmark for domestic call-ups. Ultimately, Segares may opt for two right-backs plus Guimarães, especially with Hamouda offering left-back experience at Birmingham Legion.
Roster grade: A
The big question was whether Segares could bring Carrizo, Sullivan, Albert, Berchimas, Hall, and Johnson together in one team. He has done just that, creating arguably the greatest collection of attacking talent ever assembled on a USYNT roster. If this group makes it to the World Cup, they’ll be thrilling and extremely dangerous.
There’s little to criticize. Kortkamp and Cupps would strengthen the squad, but their absences are understandable. Personally, I would have included Oliveira and Gitau in midfield, but their time may still come.
The one concern is defensive solidity in midfield. This roster puts a heavy burden on Jude Terry to cover transitions. He’s capable, but if unavailable, the U.S. could be vulnerable.
Even with that caveat, this is an exhilarating roster heading into final preparations for the U-17 World Cup.
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