The United States Men's National Team (USMNT) is staring down some obstacles in their Gold Cup run, following key player injuries and an unexpected departure. Following consecutive 6-0 victories, interim coach B.J. Callaghan announced that midfielder Alan Soñora would not continue in the tournament, the result of a hamstring injury.
"Alan Soñora will be replaced due to a hamstring injury," Callaghan confirmed, though he didn't disclose the intended replacement. Soñora was absent from the field during the USMNT's Sunday game against the Soca Warriors after bowing out at halftime during the match against St. Kitts and Nevis.
The rules of the Gold Cup provide a window for teams to bring in replacements for injured players post-group stage matches, within 24 hours before the kickoff of their quarterfinal match. Consequently, USMNT has until July 8 to announce their new player. According to CONCACAF stipulations, the injury should sideline a player for a minimum of 15 days, a condition that the federation's medical committee must verify. The replacement player must also be from the initial 60-man preliminary roster.
Amid Soñora's unfortunate exit, Callaghan has other issues to address within the team. U.S. Soccer stated that Aidan Morris, a midfielder, had left the camp due to "personal reasons." The interim coach didn't elaborate on the matter, simply confirming that Morris' return timetable remains uncertain.
The condition of forward Jordan Morris and center back Miles Robinson is also under Callaghan's close watch, as both are classified as "day-to-day." Robinson showcased his skills in the USMNT's latest victory over Trinidad and Tobago, but was subbed out after 45 minutes.
Notably, the USMNT's shrinking lineup was compounded by the loss of forward Alan Sonora to a hamstring strain. His unavailability for the match against Trinidad & Tobago marked yet another hurdle for the team. With Morris granted leave for personal reasons, Callaghan's pool of players is dwindling.
Commenting on the situation, Callaghan said, "Jordan is still sort of working his way back into team training. He has not trained with the team. He's dealing with the knee irritation... Alan has a hamstring strain. He's not a team training, either."
The USMNT, however, must progress to the knockout round to be eligible for player replacements, adding another layer of complexity to the challenges faced by Callaghan and his men.
