NEW YORK — Gio Reyna, whose parents tried to get national coach Gregg Berhalter fired after the 20-year-old midfielder was given scant minutes at the recent World Cup, was called up by interim coach Anthony Hudson for games against Grenada on Wednesday. and El Salvador for the League of Nations.
Reyna came on as a substitute in two World Cup games and Berhalter later said he was one point away from sending a designated player home. Reyna recognized that they were referring to him. His parents, former US captain Claudio Reyna and former midfielder Daniele Egan Reyna, proceeded to complain to federation leaders and notified them of a 1992 domestic violence incident involving Daniele’s college roommate and future Berhalter’s wife.
( Berhalter could return as USA coach )
The federation hired a law firm to investigate and extend that Berhalter did not improperly withhold information about the incident.
Hudson was named interim during the investigation and will remain in charge until the federation hires a sporting director at which time he will begin the search for a new coach. Berhalter remains as a candidate.
Reyna scored goals in his first three games for Borussia Dortmund after the World Cup and has appeared in seven games, six as a substitute.
Goalkeeper Zack Steffen and forward Ricardo Pepi were also included in the 24-man roster after being sidelined by Berhalter for Qatar 2022.
Pepi criticized Berhalter for the dismissal and has scored eight goals in his last 18 games for Dutch league side Groningen.
Another called up was Alejandro Zendejas, striker for América de México, after making his debut on January 25 in a friendly against Serbia. Zendejas, of Mexican origin, made the decision this week to represent the United States at the national team level.
( America attacker Alex Zendejas decides to play for USA instead of Mexico )
The United States will visit Grenada on March 24 and receive El Salvador three days later in Orlando, Florida.
Announcement:
Goalkeepers: Ethan Horvath (Luton Town/ENG), Zack Steffen (Middlesbrough/ENG), Matt Turner (Arsenal/ENG).
Defenses: Sergiño Dest (AC Milan/ITA), Mark McKenzie (Genk/BEL), Tim Ream (Fulham/ENG), Bryan Reynolds (Westerlo/BEL), Antonee Robinson (Fulham/ENG), Miles Robinson (Atlanta United/USA), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach/ALE), Auston Trusty (Birmingham City/ENG).
Midfielders: Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United/ENG), Johnny Cardoso (International/BRA), Luca de la Torre (Celta/ESP), Weston McKennie (Leeds United/ENG), Yunus Musah (Valencia/ESP), Alan Soñora (Juárez/MEX ) ).
Forwards: Taylor Booth (Utrecht/HOL), Daryl Dike (West Bromwich Albion/ENG), Ricardo Pepi (Groningen/HOL), Christian Pulisic (Chelsea/ENG), Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund/ALE), Tim Weah (Lille/FRA) , Alex Zendejas (Club America/MEX).