It’s time for USMNT to make its mark on international soccer. What better way to start than the 2024 Paris Olympics? Although the competition does not enjoy the same love in major tournaments for men, it will be a prelude to what to expect from the young talent bank of the Stars and Stripes in the future.

However, amid some major changes for the women’s team, it appears a few experts are surprised with the men’s roster after the exclusion of Real Salt Lake maestro Diego Luna in the attacking midfield. In fact, a former Yank felt Luna was unlucky due to the relationship between the Under-23 coach Marko Mitrovic and Djordje Mihailovic.

According to reports, veteran player Dax McCarty said, “I think it came down to what overage players are available. What overage players can we bring, and is it going to be Diego Luna or Djordje Mihailović?” suggesting that only one out of the two stars could have been picked.

He further said, “If we can get Djordje Mihailović released from Colorado, the preference was Djordje. That’s clear because Marko has a relationship with Djordje. He’s known Djordje for years,” suggesting that Mihailović was chosen for being in good books of the coach.

Both Mihailović and Mitrovic have Serbian origin and worked together at Chicago Fire from 2017 to 2019. Meanwhile, men’s soccer allows just 18 member rosters and three players above 23. Hence, Mitrovic may have opted for just one of the two attacking midfielders in the squad.

However, McCarty stated, “For me, it came down to that: Djordje Mihailović versus Diego Luna. I think Diego Luna should be there,” suggesting that the RSL player was a better choice.

What separates Diego Luna from Mihailović?

While Mitrovic snubbed Diego Luna in the main team, he placed him on the list of alternate players. Yet, the midfielder rejected the call and chose to continue in the MLS, since it makes more sense than to waste time waiting for an opportunity. While Luna’s absence is sure to disappoint fans given his recent strong showing, his selection over Mihailović is a tricky debate.

The 20-year-old became a superstar for the USA last year, scoring a goal and providing three assists in the Under-20 World Cup. More impressively, he carried the form into the MLS, scoring five times and providing 8 assists this season. But Mihailović hasn’t disappointed either, netting 10 times and assisting on 6 occasions for Colorado Rapids.

Nevertheless, with more experience playing for the USMNT senior team, the 25-year-old may have been the first choice for Mitrovic. Overall, the team is at the crossroads of proving itself, and whether Marko Mitrovic’s decisions will come out right will keep the fans anxious.