USMNT roster changes announced ahead of New Zealand friendly

CHICAGO (Via U.S. Soccer) – U.S. Men’s National Team head coach Jurgen Klinsmann has made several changes to the roster that will face New Zealand on Tuesday, Nov. 11 at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C.

“These friendly games are about getting our group ready for Mexico and Costa Rica,” said Klinsmann. “For the guys coming in, it’s a chance to prove their point. We sent some of our European-based guys back to make sure they stay in a rhythm for the next few weeks, and with Jordan Morris and Chris Wondolowski they have a chance to extend their seasons. When it comes to roster spots for November, the fight is on.”

Following the 2-0 win against Cuba, Kellyn Acosta, Juan Agudelo, Matt Besler, Terrence Boyd, Bill Hamid, Michael Orozco and Tim Parker will join the team in the nation’s capital.

After recovering from multiple injuries during the past two years, the invitation to Terrence Boyd marks his first MNT camp since making the 30-man preliminary roster for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Agudelo also returns for the first time since taking part in the MNT’s 2-1 away win against world champion Germany on June 10, 2015.

Additionally, nine players have been returned to their clubs, John Brooks, Geoff Cameron, Timmy Chandler, Ethan Horvath, Fabian Johnson, Christian Pulisic, Jordan Morris, Chris Wondolowski and Bobby Wood.

With the changes, the U.S. roster stands at 20 players for Tuesday’s match against New Zealand. The game can be seen live at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN and UniMas.

U.S. ROSTER BY POSITION:
GOALKEEPERS (3) : David Bingham (San Jose Earthquakes), Bill Hamid (D.C. United), William Yarbrough (Club Leon)

DEFENDERS (7): Kellyn Acosta (FC Dallas), Matt Besler (Sporting KC), Steve Birnbaum (D.C. United), Omar Gonzalez (Pachuca), Michael Orozco (Club Tijuana), Tim Parker (Vancouver Whitecaps FC, DeAndre Yedlin (Newcastle)

MIDFIELDERS (6): Paul Arriola (Club Tijuana), Michael Bradley (Toronto FC), Lynden Gooch (Sunderland), Perry Kitchen (Hearts), Sacha Kljestan (New York Red Bulls), Danny Williams (Reading)

FORWARDS (4): Juan Agudelo (New England Revolution), Jozy Altidore (Toronto FC), Terrence Boyd (RB Leipzig), Julian Green (Bayern Munich)