USMNT calls up three dual national players for training camp

The USMNT called up three dual national players for their January training camp. Brandon Vazquez, Alejandro Zendejas and Jonathan Gomez will all be involved in the training camp this month. The USMNT also has two friendlies scheduled. They first face Serbia on Wednesday, January 25th and then Colombia on Saturday, January 28th.

Vazquez, a center forward for FC Cincinnati, previously played for U.S. youth teams. However, Mexico’s U-17 team called him up, too. Nevertheless, the 24-year-old striker will finally get a chance with the senior American squad.

Dual national forward thrilled with USMNT call up

“It’s a big milestone for me,” Vazquez told MLSsoccer.com upon learning the news.

“I mean, growing up with the [U.S.] national team, and then seeing other teammates get the opportunity and thriving with the men’s national team, and not being there, sometimes I compare, you know? So I always wish I’m there, too. I’ve been wanting to get there for a long time.”

The San Diego native also confirmed that the Mexico national team has not called him about potentially joining El Tri. Vazquez scored 18 goals and also added eight assists during the 2022 MLS campaign. His stellar season was rewarded with an All-Star selection.

Zendejas has switched allegiances before

Zendejas, a midfielder for Mexican powerhouse America, is going to the training camp, as well. Also 24, the versatile midfielder/winger has actually represented both U.S. and Mexico during his career. Zendejas initially played for the U.S. U15 and U17 teams before switching his alliance to Mexico at the U21 level.

The midfielder has technically made two appearances for senior El Tri team; however, FIFA investigated the situation due to the player not filing an official one-time switch to the team. Zendejas, through his attorney, declared that he was considering a move back to the U.S. national team in November.

All three players being at the training camp does not, however, necessarily mean that they can never play for Mexico. Players are not essentially locked in until they play FIFA-sanctioned matches for a national team.

PHOTO: IMAGO / NurPhoto