The gang that reports to U.S. men’s national soccer team training camp each winter is never at full caliber because European- and Mexican-based players are busy with their respective clubs. So the gathering in Carson, Calif., is typically heavy on MLS candidates and prospects who otherwise would not receive first-team call-ups.
This year, Jurgen Klinsmann has taken the developmental theme a step further by leaving out many proven characters and inviting 11 players who are eligible for the under-23 squad’s Olympic qualifying campaign.
The initial group, announced Wednesday, includes 23 players. The average age is 24. Ten players are seeking their first cap.