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Julian Green, John Brooks among 19 called for U.S. U-23 friendlies

Andi Herzog has brought in several familiar faces to play Brazil with the United States preparing for a make-or-break playoff next year.

The United States U-23 team failed to clinch a direct Olympic berth from CONCACAF qualifying, and now must prepare for a two-legged playoff against Colombia for a place in Rio. To prepare for those March matches, the Americans will play a pair of friendly matches this month against Brazil, and coach Andi Herzog has brought in reinforcements.

With the contests against Brazil taking place Nov. 11 and Nov. 15, during a FIFA window, Herzog has more freedom in which players he can call and has brought in 2014 World Cup goal scorers Julian Green and John Brooks.