New USMNT coach relies on MLS players

U.S. captain Michael Bradley has an immediate chance to show new coach Gregg Berhalter he deserves to be considered for the next World Cup cycle.

The 31-year-old midfielder was the oldest player and among just four veterans selected for a 27-man roster that will attend Berhalter’s first training camp starting Jan. 6. Bradley has 142 international appearances but like most veterans was dropped after the October 2017 loss at Trinidad and Tobago that ended the Americans’ streak of seven straight World Cup appearances. He returned in October following a one-year absence along with 34-yearold United goalkeeper Brad Guzan, who was omitted so he can train under a new club coach with Atlanta, which opens in February with the CONCACAF Champions League.

Berhalter left off 29-yearold forward Jozy Altidore and 28-year-old midfielder Darlington Nagbe, both recovering from injuries.

Berhalter’s first matches are exhibitions against Panama on Jan. 27 at Glendale, Arizona, and against Costa Rica on Feb. 2 at San Jose, California. The team’s first competitive match in 20 months is June 18 at St. Paul, Minnesota, where the Americans open defense of their CONCACAF Gold Cup title.

Berhalter’s roster was chosen entirely from MLS, and he intends to add a central midfielder or winger. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ THURSDAY, DEC. 20 Cash 3 Midday: 8-5-1 Cash 3 Evening: 9-7-2 Cash 3 Night:

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