Ex-U.S. men’s soccer player writes inspiring message to team picked for World Cup
It’s just 10 days until the 2022 World Cup begins in Qatar, and we learned Wednesday who will represent the United States in the soccer showcase.
U.S. men’s national team coach Gregg Berhalter revealed the 26 players on the roster for games in Group B with England, Iran and Wales.
After the announcement, former men’s national team defender Jay DeMerit wrote a message on Instagram to the players on this year’s squad.
DeMerit, who started all four games for the United States at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, wrote about the pride of representing his country, the work it takes to play on that stage and shared his support.
“When your National Anthem rings out, the stadium echoes & you feel and incredible sense of pride... with your hand on your heart, you know that you’ve been 1 of 11 picked to represent your country in the biggest sporting event on the planet. Knowing you are a representation of your family, your friends & your community,” DeMerit wrote.
“Let me tell you, it comes with an immense amount of pressure, but if you don’t want that pressure, you shouldn’t be on the plane.
“To the 26 Americans picked today to represent us in Qatar....
“The amount of work, time, energy, sacrifice, doubt, haters & pressure you’ve had to overcome to get to this point is nothing short of incredible. Less than 1% of this planet gets to do what you’re about to do.
“YOU DESERVE THIS MOMENT.
“Now.... It’s up to you to make the most of it.
“We’re right behind you!”
Here is the message.
The squad
These are the players who were chosen for the team. The United States’ first game is against Wales on Nov. 21.
GOALKEEPERS: Ethan Horvath, Sean Johnson, Matt Turner
DEFENDERS: Cameron Carter-Vickers, Sergiño Dest, Aaron Long, Shaq Moore, Tim Ream, Antonee Robinson, Joe Scally, DeAndre Yedlin, Walker Zimmerman
MIDFIELDERS: Brenden Aaronson, Kellyn Acosta, Tyler Adams, Luca de la Torre, Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah, Cristian Roldan
FORWARDS: Jesús Ferreira, Jordan Morris, Christian Pulisic , Gio Reyna, Josh Sargent, Tim Weah, Haji Wright.
