Kljestan and Shea Added to U.S. Men’s National Team Roster for Match Against Italy

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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Chandler, Donovan, and Torres Forced to Withdraw 

U.S. Men’s National Team head coach Jurgen Klinsmann has added midfielder Sacha Kljestan and forward Brek Shea to the training camp roster ahead of the match against Italy on Feb. 29 in Genoa. Timmy Chandler (left hamstring strain), Landon Donovan (bronchitis), and Jose Torres (right hamstring strain) have all been forced to withdraw from the squad. 

Further roster additions may be made Monday afternoon. 

The addition of Shea could allow the dynamic winger to continue his record of appearing in every game under Klinsmann, starting seven and entering as a sub in two. Shea was part of the U-23 MNT squad preparing for their match with Mexico on the same day the full team takes on Italy. Shea will depart Caleb Porter’s group in Frisco, Texas, and arrive in Italy on Monday. 

Kljestan, who has 34 caps and four goals for the U.S. MNT, last appeared in September 2011, coming on as a second half substitute in the USA’s 1-0 loss to Costa Rica at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. He has been a fixture in Anderlecht’s midfield this season, appearing in 36 matches and netting three goals. Jozy Altidore and AZ Alkmaar eliminated Anderlecht from the UEFA Europa League this past week, with both U.S. players appearing in the two legs. 

The group began reporting to Genoa on Sunday afternoon in preparation for the match on Feb. 29 against Italy. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. ET. 

U.S. ROSTER BY POSITION

GOALKEEPERS (3): Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)

DEFENDERS (6): Carlos Bocanegra (Rangers), Geoff Cameron (Houston Dynamo), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96), Clarence Goodson (Brondby), Michael Parkhurst (FC Nordsjaelland), Jonathan Spector (Birmingham City)

MIDFIELDERS (5): Michael Bradley (Chievo Verona), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim), Sacha Kljestan (Anderlecht), Danny Williams (Hoffenheim)

FORWARDS (5): Jozy Altidore (AZ Alkmaar), Terrence Boyd (Borussia Dortmund), Edson Buddle (LA Galaxy), Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Brek Shea (FC Dallas)