Union's (Early) CONCACAF Champions Cup Roster
Who is missing? Who could be added?
Earlier today, CONCACAF released the submitted roster for the first round of matches of the CONCACAF Champions Cup, formerly the Champions League, and a few surprises were in store.
Here is an image of the roster:
Who is missing:
Some names that are interestingly missing include José Jamir Berdecio, the young Bolivian signed this winter, Joaquín Torres who joined last December but failed to make a difference throughout the year, Matt Real, one of the many homegrown players on the roster, former Houston Dynamo 2 defender Isaiah Leflore, Duke alumnus Nick Pariano, and Brandan Craig, who is reportedly being traded to El Paso Locomotive of the USL after the Everton trial I reported a few weeks ago.
To no one’s surprise, Bedoya is not listed. I think it is logical to think that the Union would not spoil its own reveal/announcement via the submission of a roster to CONCACAF.
Especially when you read more into the roster rules for the competition, page 26 specifically (I have attached the full rules for those interested):
"Clubs that have chosen to register fewer than 35 players can add additional players up to 44 hours before each match, provided their roster does not exceed 35 players. Once a player has been registered, they may not be removed or replaced."
Who is there:
This is fascinating, Andrew Rick Jr., who just turned 18 TODAY, was included on the roster as the third keeper. This may be one of the first signs that Holden Trent will take on the secondary spot for the year, meaning that the Union may forgo adding a keeper to the team. Much is to be determined by April 23, the date that the MLS transfer window closes.
Additionally, new addition Markus Anderson is there but listed as a midfielder. The young player, who holds US citizenship, was described as a striker. Not sure why he is addressed as a midfielder on this roster, but, as is, we know very little of the player who last graced the pitch as a player for Spanish Third-Division side, Rayo Majadahonda.
With that said, a lot can be added to this roster, as the Union has only used 22 spots. It must be said that, per the rules, none can come off.
Press and fans now wait, as the team returns to practice tomorrow (Wednesday, January 31) and departs for the second leg of preseason on Sunday. During that second stretch, they will face off against F.C. Cincinnati on Friday, February 9, and New England Revolution on Wednesday, February 14. Following those matches, the team will depart for Costa Rica in preparation for their match against Deportivo Saprissa on Tuesday, February 20 at 10 P.M.