GK – Jacob Molinaro, Sporting KC
GK – Jackson Smith, NC State (Charlotte FC Academy)
LB – Joshua Torquato, FC Dallas
LB – Gustavo Gonzalez, UC Irvine (LA Galaxy Academy)
CB – Nicholas de Almeida, Inter Miami
CB – Braden Dunham, Furman (Atlanta United Academy)
CB – Jose Magana, LA Galaxy
CB – Omar Robbana, Vermont (Orlando City Academy)
DM – Jack Pymm, Stanford (Inter Miami Academy)
DM/CM – Javaun Mussenden, New England Revolution
CM – Mateo Clark, Vancouver Whitecaps
CM – Eric Izoita, Portland Timbers
W – Jaidyn Contreras, FC Dallas
W – Darius Randell, Minnesota United
W/CF – Colton Swan, Charleston Battery
CF – James Lane, LAFC

Several players are receiving their first-ever national team call-ups: Smith, Torquato, Gonzalez, Robbana (previously with Canada’s U-20s), Pymm, Mussenden, Clark (son of former USMNT midfielder Ricardo Clark), Randell, and Lane.

There are a handful of players in this camp who could earn roles in the next U-20 cycle, which will be led primarily by the 2007 class.

LB — Joshua Torquato, FC Dallas
Torquato earned his MLS debut last year and showed some promising moments. He is a speedy, attack-minded left back. In a typical cycle he would likely be a lock, but the 2007 group is especially strong at the position with Peyton Miller, Dominick Chong Qui, and Tristan Brown. That depth has made it difficult for him to break through. Still, Torquato is a player who could work his way into the team with continued progress.

CB — Braden Dunham, Furman (Atlanta United Academy)
Dunham is undersized for a center back, but he is left-footed, very polished on the ball, and shows strong defensive instincts. He had an excellent freshman season in college, and many expected him to leave after just one year.

DM — Jack Pymm, Stanford (Inter Miami Academy)
I have long been a fan of Pymm’s game. He has a bit of Jack McGlynn to him, with good size and a very exciting left foot. I always felt Inter Miami undervalued him, and it will be interesting to see where his pathway leads after college.

DM/CM — Javaun Mussenden, New England Revolution
Mussenden continues to develop well in New England. Surprise, surprise. Midfield is arguably the weakest position group for the upcoming U-20 cycle, and Mussenden could realistically play his way into the main group.

W — Darius Randell, Minnesota United
Anyone who has followed my coverage of this age group knows I have felt Randell deserved a look for some time. The winger pool lacks pace and athleticism, and Randell clearly provides both. He remains raw technically and in his decision-making, but if those areas improve, he could become a player this group leans on.

This roster is an interesting blend of familiar USYNT faces and debutants who are deserving of a look. Torquato, Pymm, Mussenden, and Randell are all players who could catch the coaching staff’s attention.

There are also a few omissions that stand out. D.C. United’s Gavin Turner, San Jose Earthquakes striker Tomo Allen, and New England Revolution defender Damario McIntosh all felt like players who could have been evaluated in this camp. Additionally, there are Americans abroad who warrant looks, but this appears to be a purely domestic camp.

Expect the intensity and quality of camps for the top 2007 group to ramp up quickly as preparation for U-20 World Cup qualifying begins.