Berhalter calls up MLS based squad for Slovenia friendly

With the January 20 game in San Antonio falling outside of the FIFA international window, Berhalter is not able to call on his usual squad of mainly Europe-based players. But Berhalter plans to take a closer look at young MLS players who might yet have hopes of forcing their way into his squad in time for the Cope America. The USA will face Uruguay, Panama and Bolivia in group C of the 16-team tournament which is being hosted in the States.

There are also 13 players in the squad who are eligible for July's Paris Olympic football tournament and under-23 coach Marko Mitrovic will be part of Berhalter's staff at the camp. "This is an opportunity to identify and work with the next generation of players who have the potential to make an impact on our program," Berhalter said. 

"We appreciate the support from MLS and all their clubs so that we can utilize this platform. Our priority is on getting as many players as possible experience in important competitions, and this camp and the match against Slovenia will be extremely valuable in the evaluation process," he said. The squad includes 17 uncapped players among them goalkeeper Patrick Schultewho impressed with Columbus Crew during their run to the MLS title last season.

Another Crew player, with a more realistic chance of making the Copa America squad, is midfielder Aidan Morris while attacking midfielder Diego Luna of Real Salt Lake will also have a chance to impress Berhalter. Defender Miles Robinson, who moved this week from Atlanta United to FC Cincinnati, is the most capped player in the roster with 27 appearances.

The team will train in Orlando from January 8 to 16 before heading to Texas ahead of the Slovenia game. In March, the USA will compete in the Final Four of the