USMNT squad for Denmark, Switzerland matches features young defense

Brad Guzan has been left out by request due to his wife expecting a child soon, giving Nick Rimando the top spot in goal for the USMNT with a pair of younger and less experienced goalkeepers serving as his understudies. That youth and inexperience extends to the back line as well, with only one of the eight players listed as defenders has more than 20 caps for the national team.

That youth is highlighted by John Brooks, 22, who has played well for relegation-threatened Hertha Berlin in the Bundesliga. DeAndre Yedlin is also in the side despite the 21-year-old having yet to make his debut with Tottenham after moving to the English side in January. Left wingback Brek Shea just made the opposite move, having left the EPL for a spot with Orlando City this past winter. We could also see a debut on the back line, with 22-year-old Club America defender Ventura Alvarado making the cut after impressing in his side’s 10 matches in the Liga MX Clausura.

The defense’s youth is echoed throughout the rest of the squad as well, with notable young talents like 19-year-olds Julian Green and Rubio Rubin getting chances to show how they are progressing this season.

Only a handful of MLS players are in the squad for this overseas trip. In addition to Rimando and Shea, the captains Clint Dempsey and Michael Bradley are included, as well as Jozy Altidore and January camp star Gyasi Zardes. The only other U.S.-based player in the squad is Miguel Ibarra, who plays for Minnesota United of the NASL. Given the recent emphasis on bringing USMNT players back to play in MLS, that seems a little strange on the surface, but with the season just getting underway, perhaps Klinsmann felt it was better to allow most of those players to continue building chemistry and form with their club sides.

The USMNT will be playing Denmark on March 25 at 3:15 p.m. ET, followed by a match against Switzerland on the 31st at noon.