By The U.S. men’s soccer team is set to make a triumphant return to the Olympics for the first time since 2008. The roster, announced Monday morning, showcases a mix of rising stars and seasoned players, marking a significant moment as they prepare to compete in the Paris Games, starting July 24.
This eagerly awaited announcement was first revealed on NBC’s “TODAY” show. The U.S. team will face off against host nation France in their opening match, just two days before the official opening ceremony of the Paris Games.
The U.S. men’s team had missed out on the last three Olympic Games, failing to qualify in 2012, 2016, and 2020. However, they are now ready to break their nearly two-decade absence from the Olympic stage.
In their last Olympic appearance in 2008, the U.S. team finished ninth in the tournament. The gold medal that year went to Argentina, with Nigeria taking silver and Brazil securing bronze.
The current U.S. squad, led by head coach Marko Mitrović, includes a diverse group of players from various clubs and hometowns. Key players include goalkeepers Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew; St. Charles, Missouri) and Gaga Slonina (Chelsea/England; Addison, Illinois). The defensive lineup features Maximilian Dietz (Greuther Fürth/Germany; Frankfurt, Germany), Nathan Harriel (Philadelphia Union; Oldsmar, Florida), and several others from prominent clubs across the United States and Europe.
Roster Highlights
Goalkeepers:
– Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew; St. Charles, Missouri)
– Gaga Slonina (Chelsea/England; Addison, Illinois)
– Defenders:
– Maximilian Dietz (Greuther Fürth/Germany; 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)
