Zack Steffen, the 29-year-old goalkeeper for the United States national team, has been ruled out of the upcoming Concacaf Gold Cup due to a knee injury sustained during the team’s training camp. This injury has prompted the USMNT coaching staff to drop Steffen from the squad, making him the second goalkeeper to be axed from the group ahead of the tournament. The first to be left out was Matt Turner, who had been nursing a shoulder injury throughout training camp.
The decision to drop Steffen adds to growing concerns about the team’s depth in goalkeeping ahead of the Gold Cup. With only one goalkeeper currently in contention for the starting role, the USMNT will rely on reserves to step up in the event of an injury. This lack of depth could pose a significant challenge as the team aims to secure a strong performance in the tournament, which is the region’s premier football competition. The USM, however, has not yet named a replacement for Steffen, leaving fans and analysts hoping that a suitable backup has been identified to fill the gap.
Steffen’s injury comes at a critical time for the USMNT, as the team is preparing to represent the United States on the international stage. With the tournament’s schedule and the potential for multiple matches in a short timeframe, the lack of depth in goalkeeping could be a deciding factor in the team’s success. The coaching staff is likely to evaluate its options carefully to ensure that the team has the best possible setup for the Gold Cup, but for now, the situation remains uncertain as the USMNT continues its preparations.