USMNT roster announced for World Cup qualifiers: Gio Reyna, Jordan Pefok return; Sergino Dest still on list
CBSN
It's crunch time as the United States can book a spot at the World Cup in November during this international break
United States men's national team head coach Gregg Berhalter unveiled his roster for the make-or-break final round of World Cup qualifying in the Concacaf octagonal. Some of the notable returnees to the squad include Gio Reyna, Jordan Pefok and Ethan Horvath.
The United States will take on Mexico at the Azteca on March 24 (Paramount+), followed by a home game in Orlando at Exploria Stadium against Panama on March 27 before wrapping up the qualifying cycle March 30 on the road at Costa Rica (Paramount+). The Americans are tied with Mexico for second place in the Octagonal table, with the top three teams set to earn a ticket to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar while the fourth-place finisher goes to an intercontinental playoff tie against a team out of the Oceania confederation. The team only needs four points from these three matches to clinch directly and avoid a playoff.
Berhalter has had some injury headaches to deal with, as Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie and New England Revolution goalkeeper Matt Turner are sidelined, and Sergino Dest's injury in Europa League for Barcelona is a concern. He has, however, gotten some good news with Zack Steffen is back in training with Manchester City and Reyna back for Borussia Dortmund and providing assists already for his club as they book a spot on this roster. Without McKennie, all eyes will be on who will replace him in midfield which is a spot where Kellyn Acosta could get the nod at least at Estadio Azteca.
