Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

USMNT

From Eastern Pennsylvania to the FIFA World Cup: Five Local Players Named to USMNT Roster

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The United States Men’s National Team officially announced its roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday, with five players connected to Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer earning spots on soccer’s biggest stage.

Among the local standouts selected are goalkeeper Matt Freese (Wayne, Pa.), defender Auston Trusty (Media, Pa.), midfielder Christian Pulisic (Hershey, Pa.), midfielder Brenden Aaronson (Medford, N.J.) and defender Mark McKenzie (Bear, Del.).

Freese played for Penn Fusion before starring at Harvard University and eventually beginning his professional career with the Philadelphia Union organization. Trusty developed through Nether United and Eastern Pennsylvania Olympic Development Program before joining the Philadelphia Union Academy, while Aaronson and McKenzie both came through the Philadelphia Union Academy pathway and represented the Union professionally before making moves to Europe.

Pulisic, meanwhile, spent time playing locally with PA Classics and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players ever produced from the region.

Together, the five players represent the continued growth and strength of soccer in Eastern Pennsylvania and the surrounding area, with local clubs and development pathways continuing to produce talent at the highest level of the game.

Pulisic enters the tournament with 84 international appearances, 32 goals and 19 assists for the United States. Aaronson has also been a key contributor for the national team with 57 caps, nine goals and seven assists.

McKenzie brings valuable experience to the U.S. back line with 27 appearances and one assist at the international level, while Trusty has earned six caps and two assists since making his senior national team debut. Freese heads into the World Cup with 14 caps and three clean sheets for the United States.

Below is the full United States Men’s National Team roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, along with the team’s group stage schedule.

U.S. MEN’S NATIONAL TEAM – FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 ROSTER BY POSITION
(CLUB/COUNTRY; CAPS/GOALS; HOMETOWN)

GOALKEEPERS (3): Chris Brady (Chicago Fire; 0/0; Naperville, Ill.), Matt Freese (New York City FC; 14/0; Wayne, Pa.), Matt Turner (New England Revolution; 53/0; Park Ridge, N.J.)

DEFENDERS (10): Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew; 18/1; Fresno, Calif.), Sergiño Dest (PSV Eindhoven/NED; 37/2; Almere, Netherlands), Alex Freeman (Villarreal/ESP; 15/2; Plantation, Fla.), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse/FRA; 27/0; Bear, Del.), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC; 80/1; St. Louis, Mo.), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace/ENG; 36/3; Birmingham, Ala.), Antonee Robinson (Fulham/ENG; 52/4; Liverpool, England), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati; 38/3; Arlington, Mass.), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach/GER; 24/0; Lake Grove, N.Y.), Auston Trusty (Celtic/SCO; 6/0; Media, Pa.)

MIDFIELDERS (6): Tyler Adams (AFC Bournemouth/ENG; 52/2; Wappingers Falls, N.Y.), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps; 11/1; Columbus, Ohio), Weston McKennie (Juventus/ITA; 64/12; Little Elm, Texas), Gio Reyna (Borussia Mönchengladbach/GER; 36/9; Bedford, N.Y.), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders; 45/0; Pico Rivera, Calif.), Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen/GER; 28/3; Fürth, Germany)

FORWARDS (7): Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United/ENG; 57/9; Medford, N.J.), Folarin Balogun (Monaco/FRA; 25/8; London, England), Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven/NED; 35/13; El Paso, Texas), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan/ITA; 84/32; Hershey, Pa.), Tim Weah (Olympique Marseille/FRA; 49/7; Rosedale, N.Y.), Haji Wright (Coventry City/ENG; 20/7; Los Angeles, Calif.). Alejandro Zendejas (Club América/MEX; 13/2; El Paso, Texas)

U.S. MEN’S NATIONAL TEAM – FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 GROUP STAGE SCHEDULE

  • USMNT vs. Paraguay: June 12 2026 | 9:00PM EDT | Los Angeles Stadium, Los Angeles, CA, USA
  • USMNT vs. Australia: June 19 2026 | 3:00PM EDT | Seattle Stadium, Seattle, WA, USA
  • Türkiye vs. USMNT: June 25 2026 | 10:00PM EDT | Los Angeles Stadium, Los Angeles, CA, USA

U.S. Men’s National Team Earns Back-to-Back Wins to Close November Window

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The U.S. Men’s National Team closed out the November international window with two strong performances, earning a 2-1 win over Paraguay on November 15 and a 5-1 victory against Uruguay on November 18.

Against Paraguay at Subaru Park, the U.S. opened scoring early through Gio Reyna before Paraguay quickly equalized. The match stayed equal until the second half, when Folarin Balogun put the U.S. back in front with the eventual game-winner. The result continued the team’s positive form and featured several key returns to the lineup, including Reyna and Joe Scally.

Three days later in Tampa, the U.S. delivered one of its most convincing results of the year. Sebastian Berhalter, Alex Freeman, and Diego Luna all scored in the first half, with Freeman finding the net twice. Tanner Tessmann added another goal in the second half, and despite a late first-half response from Uruguay, the U.S. remained in control throughout the match.

The back-to-back wins extended the U.S. Men’s National Team’s unbeaten run against World-Cup qualified opponents to five consecutive matches as the team moves closer to the 2026 FIFA World Cup on home soil. The next international window is scheduled for March 2026.

U.S. Men’s National Team Returns to Subaru Park with Strong Local Ties

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When the U.S. Men’s National Team takes the field at Subaru Park on November 15, fans in Eastern Pennsylvania will see more than a world-class matchup with several familiar faces taking the field close to home.

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino’s 25-player roster features several players with deep roots in the Philadelphia area, including three who came through the Philadelphia Union Academy and grew up playing in the Eastern Pennsylvania youth soccer community.

Brenden Aaronson, the Medford, New Jersey native rose through the Union Academy before starring for the first team, returns to the stadium where his professional career began. Mark McKenzie, another former Union homegrown, developed in the academy systems and quickly became one of the most respected young defenders in the country. Auston Trusty, born in Media and a product of Nether United and the Union Academy, continues his rise on the international stage after years of representing the region with pride.

Fans will get the chance to cheer on the local standouts as the USMNT hosts World-Cup bound Paraguay at Subaru Park on Saturday, November 15 at 5 P.M. To purchase tickets, click here.

DETAILED ROSTER BY POSITION (Club/Country; Caps/Goals)
GOALKEEPERS (4): Roman Celentano (FC Cincinnati; 0/0), Matt Freese (New York City FC; 11/0), Jonathan Klinsmann (Cesena/ITA; 0/0), Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew; 3/0)

DEFENDERS (9): Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew; 14/1), Sergiño Dest (PSV Eindhoven/NED; 35/2), Alex Freeman (Orlando City; 11/0), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse FC/FRA; 24/0), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC; 78/1), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati; 37/3), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach/GER; 21/0), John Tolkin (Holstein Kiel/GER; 4/0), Auston Trusty (Celtic/SCO; 4/0)

MIDFIELDERS (7): Tyler Adams (Bournemouth/ENG; 52/2), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps/CAN; 7/0), Aidan Morris (Middlesbrough/ENG; 11/0), Gio Reyna (Borussia Mönchengladbach/GER; 32/8), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders; 41/0), Tanner Tessmann (Olympique Lyon/FRA; 10/0), Sean Zawadzki (Columbus Crew; 1/0)

FORWARDS (5): Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United/ENG; 54/9), Folarin Balogun (AS Monaco/FRA; 27/7), Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake; 16/3), Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven/NED; 33/13), Haji Wright (Coventry City/ENG; 19/7)

USMNT Defeats Australia Ahead of November Friendly at Subaru Park

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The U.S. Men’s National Team closed out the October international window with a 2-1 win over Australia at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park. Haji Wright led the way with two goals while Cristian Roldan notched a pair of assists.  

With the win, the United States extended its unbeaten streak to three matches against World Cup-qualified opponents. The U.S. previously earned a 1-1 draw with Ecuador in Austin, Texas, and a 2-0 victory over Japan in Columbus, Ohio.  

The U.S. will return to action next month, hosting two South American opponents as preparation continues for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on home soil. The team faces Paraguay on November 15 at Subaru Park before meeting Uruguay on November 18 in Tampa, Florida.  

Tickets for the November 15 match at Subaru Park can be purchased here.  

Christian Pulisic Joins Former Eastern Pennsylvania Players on October USMNT Camp Roster 

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U.S. Men’s National Team head coach Mauricio Pochettino has named 26 players to the roster for October training camp as the United States prepares for upcoming friendlies against Ecuador and Australia.  

Christian Pulisic, a Hershey native and product of PA Classics, headlines the group. He’s joined by Wayne-born goalkeeper Matt Freese, as well as Brenden Aaronson and Mark McKenzie, both products of the Philadelphia Union Academy.  

The October matches will see the USMNT face Ecuador at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas on October 10 before meeting Australia at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado on October 14. Both opponents have already qualified for next summer’s FIFA World Cup, providing an important test for the United States as preparations continue.  

Fans in our region will also have the chance to see the team in action this fall, when the USMNT plays New Zealand at Subaru Park on November 15 at 5 P.M. Tickets are available now.  

Christian Pulisic Wins Best Soccer Player at 2025 ESPY Awards, Alex Morgan Honored with Icon Award 

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U.S. Soccer was well represented at the 2025 ESPY Awards, with Christian Pulisic and Alex Morgan taking home awards.

Pulisic, a native of Hershey, Pennsylvania and a former Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer player, was named Best Soccer Player after a standout year with AC Milan and the U.S. Men’s National Team.  

Former U.S. Women’s National Team star Alex Morgan received the Icon Award, recognizing her legendary career and impact on and off the field. Morgan was honored alongside WNBA great Diana Taurasi.  

Pulisic’s win is a proud moment for Eastern Pennsylvania, where his soccer journey began.

Four Former Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Members Set to Represent U.S. in Concacaf Nations League

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Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer is proud to celebrate the former members selected for the U.S. Men’s National Team ahead of the 2025 Concacaf Nations League Finals. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino has named a 23-player roster, with the U.S. set to take on Panama in the semifinal on March 20 at 7 p.m. ET at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. The match will air live on Paramount and Univision.

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer will be well represented on the international stage, as Christian Pulisic, Mark McKenzie, Zack Steffen, and Auston Trusty all earned a spot on the squad. Developing their skills at PA Classics, Philadelphia Union Academy, FC DELCO, and Nether United, these players continue Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer’s tradition of producing top-level talent.

Pulisic, a Hershey native, rose through PA Classics before launching a professional career that has made him one of the USMNT’s most dynamic attackers. Now with 76 caps and 32 goals, he remains a key leader for the team.

McKenzie, a Philadelphia Union Academy product, has proven himself as a strong defensive presence. The Bear, Del. native has earned 17 caps, solidifying his role in the backline.

Steffen, from Coatesville, developed at West Chester United and FC DELCO before becoming one of the country’s top goalkeepers. With 30 caps, he brings experience and composure in goal.

Trusty, a Media native, got his start with Nether United and the Eastern Pennsylvania Olympic Development Program before advancing to the Philadelphia Union Academy. He now has 4 caps and continues to showcase his defensive versatility.

The USMNT will begin camp on March 16, setting their sights on a fourth consecutive Nations League title. Best of luck to Christian, Mark, Zack, Auston, and the entire U.S. team!

DETAILED ROSTER BY POSITION (Club/Country; Caps/Goals)

GOALKEEPERS (3): Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew; 3/0), Zack Steffen (Colorado Rapids; 30/0), Matt Turner (Crystal Palace/ENG; 49/0)

DEFENDERS (8): Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic/SCO; 18/0), Marlon Fossey (Standard Liege/BEL; 1/0), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse/FRA; 17/0), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC; 67/1), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace/ENG; 23/1), Antonee Robinson (Fulham/ENG; 50/4), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach/GER; 19/0), Auston Trusty (Celtic/SCO; 4/0)

MIDFIELDERS (6): Tyler Adams (Bournemouth/ENG; 42/2), Johnny Cardoso (Real Betis/ESP; 18/0), Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake; 3/0), Weston McKennie (Juventus/ITA; 58/11), Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund/GER; 31/8), Tanner Tessmann (Olympique Lyon/FRA; 6/0)

FORWARDS (6): Patrick Agyemang (Charlotte FC; 2/2), Yunus Musah (AC Milan/ITA; 45/1), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan/ITA; 76/32), Josh Sargent (Norwich City/ENG; 27/5), Timothy Weah (Juventus/ITA; 42/7), Brian White (Vancouver Whitecaps/CAN; 3/1)