New faces in the USMNT friendlies against Switzerland and Turkey in June. Their trainer, Mauricio Pochettino, was forced to make a few tweaks to his original roster and called up Walker Zimmerman, Nathan Harriel, and Paxten Aaronson to the Chicago roster. They were called up due to physical issues for DeJuan Jones, Sean Zawadzki, and Folarin Balogun.
The two friendlies are lined up prior to the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup, and the Argentine coach is employing the final phase of preparation to monitor options in the starting lineup. What was appearing to be another FIFA window to test tactics can become make-or-bust time for players who still are trying to find their place in the first string that is to play the continental tournament and, of course, the World Cup on home soil in 2026.
Zimmerman's return, Pochettino's safe option
Walker Zimmerman's choice at age 32 is symbolic and pragmatic. Nashville SC defender Zimmerman, veteran of the 2022 World Cup and having won 43 caps, brings experience and leadership to the team. His MLS and national team record justifies the choice. Two official titles earned for the USA by him.
Pochettino is fully aware that experienced leaders must be paired against young players. Zimmerman is not necessarily a starter, but having him around in camp, during practice, and even on the bench provides balance to an inexperienced team's mental makeup. Especially with two tough test matches being played before an official tournament. He adds to physical fight, as an asset to win one-on-ones.
Harriel has the opportunity and adds depth to the national team's Olympic filter
Another name that jumps out is Nathan Harriel due to his recent trajectory. Philadelphia Union right back has long ranked high and graduated through all the US national team youth ranks. In 2024, he was in the starting side at the Paris Olympics and played three games to the quarterfinals. At the age of 24, he is called to the senior national team for the first time in an official camp.
This is exactly the type of player who can slot into this role quickly: he had recent international experience, plays in MLS, and is used to the federation structure. It was an opportunity that was out there for awhile.
Paxten Aaronson wants more than just a surname on the jersey
Paxten Aaronson is upgraded to the senior team based on merit. At 21, the striker netted two goals in all four United States games he featured in the 2024 Olympics. He was on loan to FC Utrecht in the Netherlands for the season 2024/25 and recorded good numbers: eight goals, four assists. He was one of the key players in the season in which the team finished fourth in the Eredivisie.
Paxten is Brenden Aaronson, the Leeds United midfielder that Pochettino called up as well. They would be the eighth brother duo to appear together in a competitive USMNT match. Beyond that, though, is that Paxten is keen to make his own mark beyond being just another last name. The call-up is an admission that the talent is there, name be damned.