USMNT goalkeeper Zack Steffen out for two games with COVID-19

USMNT goalkeeper Zack Steffen won’t be available to play against Canada or Honduras after testing positive for COVID-19. Sean Johnson will replace him.

Zack Steffen won’t be in goal for the USMNT during Sunday night’s World Cup qualifier against Canada or their upcoming game against Honduras.

The goalkeeper tested positive for COVID-19 and is now in isolation along with one other member to the delegation, U.S. Soccer said in a statement.

Fortunately, everyone else has been cleared to participate after testing negative for the coronavirus multiple times.

Zack Steffen won’t travel with the USMNT to Honduras

Steffen was already ruled out for Sunday because of a back injury, so this isn’t a huge blow to the USMNT plans against Canada. He also sat out the 0-0 draw to El Salvador on Thursday. However, his absence against Honduras is a blow.

The roster place vacated by Steffen will be filled by NYCFC goalkeeper Sean Johnson. Against El Salvador, Gregg Berhalter turned to Matt Turner. He should be in line for another couple of appearances after a solid outing in place of Steffen, unless they decide to give Johnson or Ethan Horvath a go.

Meanwhile, the USMNT is still waiting to find out if Christian Pulisic will be available after getting over COVID-19 himself. He and Gio Reyna aren’t certain to play on Sunday night, leaving the Americans with plenty of doubt over their lineup.

The U.S. men are fighting to ensure a place in the 2022 World Cup after missing out in 2018. This is the third stage of qualifying, so there is no room for error.