USMNT news: Brooks’ ambitions, Marsch in Chicago, Aaronson a no for U20s

Today’s USMNT news includes John Brooks’ ambitions for the national team, Jesse Marsch has been spotted in Chicago and Paxten Aaronson will not be involved in the U20 World Cup.  

USMNT news: John Brooks’ Stars and Stripes ambition

The USMNT has recently found itself with a center-back shortage. Both Tim Ream and Cameron Carter-Vickers have picked up injuries that will likely see them miss the Nations League semi-final against Mexico and the Gold Cup.

However, John Brooks could be the man to solve this problem. Speaking to his club Hoffenheim’s official website Brooks said, “I think if I perform well here, I can still be an option for the national team.”

Hoffenheim is 14th in the Bundesliga and their manager is Pellegrino Matarazzo who is also American. Matarazzo could be an option for the role of head coach for the USMNT one day.

Brooks has performed well back in Germany since he arrived from Portuguese side Benfica in January. The defender has made 12 Bundesliga appearances this year. However, he has not played for the national team since 2021.

He is 30 so will not be a long-term option but he could add to his 45 caps for his country. For inspiration, Brooks only needs to look at Ream who is now 35 and is having a resurgence with the USMNT.

USMNT news: Jesse Marsch in Chicago

Jesse Marsch was at Chicago Fire’s 2-1 victory over St. Lous City in the U.S. Open Cup yesterday at SeatGeek Stadium. He was there to watch his old club, the Fire, who he made 200 appearances in MLS for.

However, USMNT fans would know that U.S. Soccer’s headquarters are also in Chicago. Many supporters want Marsch to be the next head coach of the Stars and Stripes and may suspect that someone from U.S. Soccer might try and meet with him whilst he is in town.

With the recent appointment of Matt Crocker as sporting director at U.S. Soccer, the process of appointing the next head coach is expected to start making strides. Marsch is reportedly the frontrunner for the job but he may want to continue coaching in Europe.

USMNT news: No Paxten Aaronson for the U20 World Cup

Selection for the USMNT’s U20 World Cup squad has been difficult with some clubs refusing to allow players to go. Mikey Varas’ squad has been dealt a blow with the news that Paxton Aaronson will not be able to join them.

Brian Sciaretta tweeted “I am hearing Paxten Aaronson will not be released by Eintracht Frankfurt to play at the U-20 World Cup. Massive blow to the 20’s as he has been instrumental to the team’s offense.”

Aaronson has played 17 games for the U20s and scored eight goals. He also has one cap for the senior USMNT side. He has featured in Frankfurt’s last four Bundesliga games, so it is good that the German side values him. However, it is a shame for him to miss out on going to Argentina with the USMNT U20 squad.