U.S. Soccer Federation announces a ‘last chance’ fitness training camp for World Cup hopefuls whose MLS teams were knocked out of the playoffs… as Cristian Roldan, Gaga Slonina and Shaq Moore are given a shot to prove themselves ahead of Qatar
In an effort to keep everyone in shape, US Soccer has announced a training camp in Texas for players on MLS teams that aren’t in the Cup Playoffs to stay fit.
It’s being seen as an opportunity for players on the fringes of the squad to prove themselves with one last chance to make the plane to Qatar.
In its statement, the USSF said it’s “important to bridge the gap between players completing their seasons and potential participation in the World Cup.”
Spokespeople for the USSF stressed that inclusion in this camp doesn’t guarantee a spot in Qatar and that those who weren’t included are eligible for the roster. They also added that more people will be brought into the camp as each round of the playoffs goes on.
The recently announced training camp will help players in MLS hoping to make the Qatar roster keep in shape and build chemistry, like between CBs Aaron Long & Walker Zimmerman
The camp also serves as a last shot for players like Gaga Slonina & Shaq Moore to make Qatar
Players first called into the camp include Paul Arriola and Jesús Ferreira of FC Dallas, Shaq Moore and Walker Zimmerman of Nashville SC, Jordan Morris and Cristian Roldan of Seattle Sounders FC, Aaron Long of the New York Red Bulls, Gaga Slonina of the Chicago Fire, and DeAndre Yedlin of Inter Miami.
Among the players not called into the camp but who have been utilized up by USMNT manager Gregg Berhalter in the past are Colorado Rapids forward Gyasi Zardes, FC Dallas midfielder Sebastian Lletget, Portland Timbers midfielder Eryk Williamson and CF Montreal midfielder Djordje Mihailovic.
MLS Cup Playoffs are in the midst of the conference final stage. New York City FC takes on the Philadelphia Union in the Eastern Conference Final and Austin FC heads to Los Angeles FC in the Western Conference Final. The MLS Cup Final is set for November 5.
The USMNT announces their final roster on November 9 in New York City before opening their World Cup group play against Wales on November 21.
USMNT manager Gregg Berhalter will make his final roster announcement on November 9
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