After U.S. Soccer announced its 32-man roster for January camp ahead of two international friendlies, new men's national team head coach Bruce Arena held a Facebook Live session to answer some questions about his selections.
Arena called in four Seattle Sounders: Jordan Morris, Brad Evans, Chad Marshall and Stefan Frei, and he's excited about what each of them brings.
"Morris is a lot like [LA Galaxy forward and fellow national teamer] Gyasi Zardes in that he's very versatile," Arena said. "We can use him as a No. 9, 7 or 11."
Arena was also high on Marshall, who has not featured for the U.S. since 2010. The veteran defender first began his international career under Arena in 2005 during Arena's first stint in charge.
"I thought Chad Marshall had a great season in Seattle," Arena said, "and I'm looking forward to having him back."
Two perhaps noticeable omissions from the roster are forward Clint Dempsey and midfielder Cristian Roldan, each of whom Arena had mentioned as possibilities after taking over late last year. Arena had hoped to bring in Dempsey, who has been sidelined with an irregular heartbeat since August.
"[Dempsey is] making great progress," Arena said. "We're hoping he'll be available in March [for CONCACAF 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers]."
As for Roldan, Arena said he just missed the cut, but he is still high on the 21-year-old.
"I imagine in 2017 [Roldan] will have a chance at the national team," Arena said. "We're going to continue to follow Roldan's progress this season."
The United States host Serbia on Jan. 29 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, Calif., before taking on Jamaica in Chattanooga, Tenn., on Feb. 3.
