The clock keeps ticking for the USMNT. Still figuring out a way to prepare for the 2026 World Cup, the question of whether they should be experimenting still prevails. The team is about to face a sturdy test against Canada who are easily the happier of the both at this point. However, without a permanent manager, the Yanks are now given another dilemma after Colorado Rapids expressed their concerns about the unit. With the USMNT having a few things to sort out regarding their squad, their defensive prowess is now under question.

Rapids recently took a sarcastic dig at the roster after their prime goalkeeper, Zack Steffen was excluded from it. While the USMNT’s official Instagram posted the squad on their handle, the Western Conference club left a reply writing, “You misspelled “Zack Steffen” four times.” The Denver team was left dumbfounded after their ace did not find a single spot. Subsequently, two four goalkeepers selected are under question.

Notably, Ethan Horvath, Diego Kochen, Patrick Schulte, and Matt Turner made their way into Mikey Varas’s list. The coach will only stay until Mauricio Pochettino’s much-anticipated arrival but has already taken a few bold steps. While Turner, although under pressure, was expected to make the list, FC Barcelona’s youth team’s goalie Kochen was a big surprise. Schulte is given another go after his spell in Paris, but the struggling Cardiff City’s #1 Horvath entering the list of 24 shocked a few.

Meanwhile, the US International with 29 caps nailed the League’s Cup. Steffan played a key role in the Rapids finishing third in the tournament with some great saves. But his heroics in penalties earned him the reputation as the best keeper in the league. Hence, the Rapids even posted a video on their account pointing out that the USA missed what he showed.

However, he already conceded 45 goals in this season’s MLS, the most in the top 5 of the EC. Despite the reasons for his exclusion, the team selection is under question.

Confusion after USMNT goes bold for the September friendlies

Quite a few players are left anxious after Varas’ changes to the USMNT roster. One key athlete that left a few fans fuming was Weston McKennie. The Juventus player hasn’t kicked off this season with regular minutes but was one favorite to make it. Reports later revealed that the coach felt he needed to be more game time and fitness to enter the squad.

But Gio Reyna and Lucas De La Torre’s inclusion triggered a few supporters. Former star Charlie Davis took a dig by saying, “Before you go any further, what mode is Gio Reyna in?” to question McKennie’s snub.

However, the midfielder will train with the club to regain his fitness and could return soon. Moreover, Fulham defender Antonee Robinson was also sidelined, claiming to be given rest with the workload in London. While these may only seem friendly, USMNT will have fewer games left for Pochettino to assess. And with much criticism behind their back already, they’ll hope to silence the critics with a few wins.