January camp isn't the most important event on the USMNT calendar but, for several players it couldn't be more vital
The first game of the U.S. men's national team's January camp is here. For the USMNT, this match holds little significance beyond the chance to evaluate players and experiment. This result – other than the vibe of winning – doesn't matter.
That's not true for the players on the field, though. January camp is all about them, and for the 21 players on a MLS-heavy roster in camp, Saturday's friendly against Venezuela, at 3 p.m. ET in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is a chance to prove to manager Mauricio Pochettino that they belong.
Some have already shown that. Tim Ream, for example, doesn't have anything left to prove in this camp. For him, this is about fitness and continuity as he fights to keep his USMNT spot at center back. Veterans such as Walker Zimmerman and Miles Robinson are pushing into a crowded race at central defense, too. Generally, outside of that group of defenders, though, everyone else is new to this, which means everyone else has a resume to build.
Which players should fans, and Pochettino, be looking out for on Saturday against Venezuela? GOAL examines.
GettySchulte's time in goal
Considering his talent, it feels like this camp should be about Patrick Schulte. Yet, there are no guarantees he will be the starter at goal when the U.S. kicks off its match against Venezuela on Saturday.
Schulte should get the nod in one game, if not both. He's the closest to that No. 1 goalkeeping spot but is also generally lacking international experience. The Columbus Crew goalkeeper could rise much like Matt Turner did last cycle and, ironically, pass the 2022 World Cup starter himself if he continues to struggle for playing time at the club level. For that to happen, though, Schulte needs to show that he can play consistently at a high level when he's called upon by the U.S.
Schulte does have some competition, though. NYCFC's Matt Freese was incredible in MLS last season and could argue that he was the league's best goalkeeper. On form, why shouldn't he start? He has a legitimate argument. Zack Steffen, a player that Pochettino is familiar with from the Premier League, will have his own, too.
Still, all eyes will be on Schulte as he looks to push Turner, starting with this match if he does get the nod.
Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesA thin – but skilled – midfield
There are only four designated midfielders in the USMNT squad. One of them, Diego Luna, is certainly an attacker at heart. So, how does Pochettino arrange his starting XI? What can he put together to get the best out of this group?
Jack McGlynn feels like an obvious starter, especially given his technical ability. McGlynn showed plenty of what he can do at the Olympics last summer, but 2025 may be the year he takes the leap. These matches won't be at the elite international level, but they are a test, particularly for a player like McGlynn who has obvious upside, but there are also some question marks – especially with his athleticism.
Luna, meanwhile, is a true game-changing No. 10. Last season with Real Salt Lake, he showcased his ability to create and score, earning MLS Young Player of the Year honors. His skill set seems tailor-made for a coach like Pochettino, but until he gets on the field under the manager, it’s all just speculation for U.S. fans and observers.
In addition, Benja Cremaschi comes in as a traditional No. 8, and there's a No. 6 in Emeka Eneli. How does Pochettino find the balance? It'll be tough, but there are only so many options to choose from, which is good news for this group as they look to make a good impression.
Getty Images SportWhere will the goals come from?
There are six forwards in camp. There's one cap between them. In total, in this squad, there's a collection of eight international goals spread among 21 players. It's a fair question to ask, then – where will the goals come from?
The squad features two designated strikers: Brian White and Patrick Agyemang. White is the one member of this attacking group with a cap, which also came in January camp. The 28-year-old Vancouver Whitecaps striker is also far and away the most experienced of this group with more than 150 MLS matches under his belt.
Agyemang is more of a mystery at this level. His is a fun story: after starting college at Division 3 Eastern Connecticut State, he transferred to Rhode Island and played his way to MLS with Charlotte FC. This past season was his real breakout, as he seized Charlotte's starting job with a 10-goal season. Even at 24, he's still relatively inexperienced given his late start, but Agyemang showed real signs this past season in MLS.
Both appear to be far down the striker depth chart, but you never know. A goal or two can go a long way, even in January camp.
Getty Images SportMatko Miljevic, the USMNT wild card
There's one non-MLS player in the squad, and his name is Matko Miljevic. If you aren't familiar with his story, it's a wild one.
Born in Miami, Miljevic came up through the academy system in Argentina before signing with CF Montreal in 2021. In 2023, he was released when he was caught playing in an indoor league under a fake name. During his time in that league, he was banned for assaulting another player. He then moved back to Argentina to sign with Newell's Old Boys, where he played well but was not re-signed, reportedly due to off-field conduct.
Miljevic is in USMNT camp, though, with a chance to get his career back on track. A product of Newell's himself, Pochettino is no doubt familiar with Miljevic's game and was impressed by the attacker's stint with his old club. After camp, Miljevic will head back to Argentina to join a new club, Huracan, but this 2025 January camp feels like a good starting point to get things together.
Where and when will he play for Pocehttino? That remains to be seen. Miljevic is capable of playing either as an attacking midfielder or our wide, although U.S. Soccer has him listed as a forward. Either way, as his career so far shows, Miljevic is nothing if not exciting. Let's see if he can bring some of that onto the field for the USMNT this January.
