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D.C. United Winger Paul Arriola Selected by Gregg Berhalter for USMNT Camp in Phoenix in January

January 6, 2022 - Major League Soccer (MLS) - D.C. United News Release


CHICAGO - U.S. Men's National Team head coach Gregg Berhalter has called 19 players including D.C. United winger Paul Arriola to BioSteel Training Camp in Phoenix, Arizona. The domestic-based group will spend two weeks building match preparedness and competing for spots in the World Cup Qualifying training camp later this month.

The January Training camp runs from Jan. 7-21 and will include several closed-door scrimmages.

"Our focus for the next two weeks is to prepare the domestic-based players to be included in the World Cup qualifying training camp," Berhalter said. "This upcoming window presents an opportunity to move closer to our ultimate goal of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar."

The team's roster for the World Cup Qualifying camp in Columbus - which will include both domestic and European-based players - will be finalized at the end of the training camp.

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

GOALKEEPERS (3): Sean Johnson (New York City FC; 9/0), Gabriel Slonina (Chicago Fire; 0/0), Matt Turner (New England Revolution; 13/0)

DEFENDERS (6): George Bello (Atlanta United; 6/0), DeJuan Jones (New England Revolution; 0/0), Brooks Lennon (Atlanta United; 1/0), Aaron Long (New York Red Bulls; 21/3), Miles Robinson (Atlanta United; 15/3), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC; 23/2)

MIDFIELDERS (6): Kellyn Acosta (Colorado Rapids; 45/2), Cole Bassett (Colorado Rapids; 1/1), Djordje Mihailovic (CF Montrêal; 6/1), Sebastian Lletget (New England Revolution; 33/8), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders; 30/0), Jackson Yueill (San Jose Earthquakes; 16/0)

FORWARDS (4): Paul Arriola (D.C. United; 42/8), Jesús Ferreira (FC Dallas; 5/2), Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders; 40/10), Gyasi Zardes (Columbus Crew; 66/14)

RAMPING BACK UP

With the triple date of World Cup Qualifiers on the horizon, the majority of this group took only a quick break for holiday festivities before getting back to business. A total of 13 players were part of the USMNT's December camp, with 11 appearing in the USMNT's 1-0 friendly win against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Dec. 18 in Los Angeles: Kellyn Acosta, Cole Bassett, George Bello, Jesús Ferreira, Brooks Lennon, Jordan Morris, Cristian Roldan, Matt Turner, Jackson Yueill, Gyasi Zardes and Walker Zimmerman.

Defender Aaron Long and goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina also took part in the camp but did not appear in the match.

QUALIFYING CREDENTIALS

With more than half of the 2022 qualifying campaign completed, this domestic contingent has built a solid resume. A total of 10 players on the roster have appeared during the team's eight World Cup qualifying matches thus far: Kellyn Acosta (7), Miles Robinson (6), Matt Turner and Walker Zimmerman (5 each); Sebastian Lletget and Cristian Roldan (4 each); Paul Arriola and Gyasi Zardes (3 each); George Bello and Jesús Ferreira (2 each). These players account for 30 percent of the total minutes played during the USMNT's current qualifying campaign.

Meantime, veterans Aaron Long and Jordan Morris are working towards their first action in this cycle following lengthy injuries.

WORLD CUP QUALIFYING - WINTER EDITION

The United States will play a trio of critical World Cup Qualifiers during the winter window, beginning with a home match on Jan. 27 against El Salvador, presented by Volkswagen. Three days later, the U.S. will cross the northern border to take on Canada, then head back home for the conclusion of the three-game set against Honduras.

Through eight matches of the 14-game final round Concacaf Octagonal, the USA is on the right path. With a record of 4-1-3 so far, the USA is in second place in the standings. The top three teams earn an automatic berth to Qatar for the World Cup in November of 2022.

Remarkably, the USMNT has achieved this place utilizing a group largely inexperienced in World Cup Qualifying. In addition to 27 players already earning their first appearance in a World Cup Qualifier, Berhalter has twice sent out starting lineups that were the youngest ever for the United States in a qualifier.

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