(assuming a 26 man roster)
GKs
Starter: Matt Freese
Matt Turner
Patrick Schulte
In consideration: Roman Celentano, Jonathan Klinsmann, Ethan Horvath, Zach Steffen, Diego Kochen
Even as players have rotated through all the different positions in the Fall friendlies, Freese has played every game for Pochettino. Surprisingly, Turner wasn't even called into Nov camp.
Centerbacks
Starter: Chris Richards
Starter: Tim Ream
Starter: Alex Freeman
Mark McKenzie
Miles Robinson
Joe Scally
In consideration: Auston Trusty, Triston Blackmon, Noahkai Banks, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Walker Zimmerman
If Ream doesn't slow down in 2026, he could even be captain. The 3rd starter is up for grabs - looks like between McKenzie, Robinson and Freeman. Our defense is very error-prone, which is another reason the move to 3 CBS is a positive, providing a bit more security.
Wingbacks
RB Starter: Sergino Dest
LB Starter: Antonee Robinson
Timothy Weah
Max Arfsten
In consideration: John Tolkin, Caleb Wiley, Marlon Fossey, Shaq Moore, Bryan Reynolds
Jedi (please be healthy, please) and Dest should be auto starters with our new formation playing to their strengths. MLSers, Freeman and Arfsten, have maximized their opportunities under Pochettino and look like near roster locks at this point. Freeman can play both CB and wingback. However, Weah will still be 1st in the depth chart on both sides if either Dest or Jedi can't go.
Holding Mids
Starter: Tyler Adams
Starter: Tanner Tessman
Johnny Cardoso
Cristian Roldan
Sebastian Berhalter
In consideration: Yunus Musah, Luca de la Torre, Gianluca Busio, Jack McGlynn, James Sands, Aidan Morris, Timothy Tillman, Paxton Aaronson
With our new 3-4-2-1 lineup, the 3rd CB squeezes out a midfielder, and we'll only have 2 holding/pivot mids in the game, who sit deeper and protect the defensive line as needed. Tessman looks to be the frontrunner to play next to Adams. All-time vibes guy Roldan makes the squad as a Poch fave, while Berhalter's set piece ability gains him the final spot.
Attacking Mids
Starter: Christian Pulisic
Starter: Malik Tillman
Weston McKennie
Gio Reyna
Diego Luna
In consideration: Brendan Aaronson, Alejandro Zendejas
Our new formation suits the strengths of Pulisic, Tillman, and Reyna. Weah might be squeezed out of starting lineup, but will be useful change of pace both here and wingback. Unfortunately, the hardworking Aaronson might be edged out by the talent of Reyna, who offers playmaking at a level unmatched in the fold if we need a goal late in the 2nd half.
Striker
Starter: Folarin Balogun
Haji Wright
Ricardo Pepi
In consideration: Josh Sargent, Damion Downs, Patrick Agyemang
Balogun is the clear starter, with Haji also impressing this Fall. But, whomever is hot come May 2026 should find their way onto the plane.
Lineup (3-4-2-1)
------------Balogun-----------
-------Pulisic----Tillman-----
Jedi-Adams-Tessman-Dest
--Ream-Richards-Freeman-
------------Freese-------------
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