Charlotte FC Striker Patrick Agyemang & Defender Tim Ream Called up for International Duty
The USMNT has called up the veteran U.S. captain Ream as well as the young striker Agyemang, who impressed in international friendlies earlier this year, for the Concacaf Nations League finals.
Patrick Agyemang’s first invitation to play for the United States Men’s National Team in January was exciting, but not much of a surprise. He was Charlotte FC’s top goal scorer in 2024, and not many young American players can say they were the top scorer for a team in one of the world’s top 10 or 15 professional leagues.
However, while the January camp took place before domestic leagues like MLS started playing, it was in the middle of the season for top European leagues like Serie A, the Bundesliga, and the Premier League. Top USMNT talent playing abroad - for example, Christian Pulisic - skipped the camp, opening more roster slots for first-time players like Agyemang. In many ways, the winter camp is a tryout for the real squad.
“I think he’s still a little bit raw, [he’s] a player you can feel that he can evolve and learn a lot, but I see the potential and the characteristics if he continues his progression,” said USMNT Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino. “Now it’s up to him.”
Today, it looks like Agyemang passed the test and will have his first chance to play in his first competitive international match. United States Men’s National Team head coach Mauricio Pochettino has named Agyemang and Charlotte FC defender Tim Tim Ream to the 2025 Concacaf Nations League Finals roster.
“[Patrick Agyemang’s] characteristics as a striker and an offensive player can provide the team different things,” said Coach Pochettino at a press conference announcing the roster. “I think it is good because we’re going to have three different strikers with three different characteristics.”
Because this competition is during a FIFA international window, top players like Pulisic are also on the roster. However, Agyemang and Ream will miss at least one MLS match against the San Jose Earthquakes at home on March 22.
Agyemang and Ream will join a familiar USMNT roster that includes faces from both the January camp and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to take on Panama in the Nations League Semifinals in Los Angeles on Thursday, March 20. If the team wins, they’ll advance to a final against the winner of the semifinal between Canada and Mexico; if they should lose to the isthmians, they’ll play the other vanquished team in a third place match.
Ream has 67 caps for the national team and was on the roster for the USMNT’s 2024 Nations League Finals triumph. Charlotte FC is the only MLS team with multiple players on this Nations League roster, and join the likes of AC Milan, Juventus, Crystal Palace and Celtic with two players selected.
However, while the veteran Ream is likely to be in the starting XI at center back, Agyemang has to compete for playing time, and the competition will be fierce against Norwich City’s Josh Sargent - another player coached by Charlotte FC head coach Dean Smith - and Vancouver Whitecaps FC striker Brian White for who gets to start at striker in Pochettino’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation.
“I think he’s still a little bit raw, [he’s] a player you can feel that he can evolve and learn a lot, but I see the potential and the characteristics if he continues his progression,” said Pochettino. “Now it’s up to him.”
Agyemang’s two goals during the January friendlies helped earn him the spot in the Nations League lineup, as did his unique style of play that can draw fouls at big moments - think James Harden, but playing soccer. It took Agyemang less than three minutes to earn the USMNT a penalty kick in his first appearance, and it’s a testament to his ability to press.
Agyemang’s work ethic during his first camp also impressed the coaching staff.
“We are so happy about [Agyemang’s play in] the January camp, he showed that we can trust in him,” said Pochettino. “To give the trust and calling him now is to show that we really believe in him.”
Agyemang and Ream will depart for the USMNT camp in California after Charlotte FC’s Saturday match against FC Cincinnati.
Galleries: Pictures from Patrick Agyemang’s USMNT Debut in January
