The USMNT is back Saturday, facing Peru at Orlando’s Inter.co Stadium. It marks the squad’s first game since the 4-1 World Cup loss to Belgium.
Orlando City fans will spot a familiar name on the US list. Lions rookie forward Justin Ellis, one of 13 newcomers added by Mauricio Pochettino, could debut on his home field.
Kickoff is slated for 4:30 p.m., and Ellis says the venue’s coincidence feels like destiny.
“Finding out the friendly would be in Orlando months ago put me on a mission to earn a spot,” Ellis said. “Debuting for my country on the field that gave me everything would be the best day of my life – absolutely incredible.”
Ellis earned his first call‑up for a four‑match window against Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada. A Wellington, Fla., native, he rose through Orlando City’s academy and signed a homegrown deal in February. He leads the Lions with 11 assists overall and 10 in MLS. Philadelphia’s Cavan Sullivan already shattered the teenage assist record, posting 12 this season, surpassing Alphonso Davies’ 11 from 2018. For my money, Ellis could become a breakout star.
Now teammates with Sullivan, Ellis has felt his promotion building since the Sept. 17 announcement.
I was right next to my dad when the email hit,” Ellis said. “My heart either skipped a beat or caught fire for a second—I can’t say which.
Then I showed my dad. He hugged me, my mom did too. I just thanked God. It felt like a dream realized.
The US is leaning on youth in this window. Pochettino omitted veterans like Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun, and Ricardo Pepi withdrew with an injury. Damion Downs, Pepi’s replacement, is the sole senior‑capped forward on the roster.
Former Orlando City right back Alex Freeman also made the squad. The 2025 MLS Young Player of the Year moved to Villarreal in January and netted against Australia at the World Cup.
He’s one of the few football people I’d call family,” Ellis continued. “Reuniting with ‘Free’ and sharing the pitch will be another dream come true.
Returning World Cup veterans include goalkeepers Matt Freese and Chris Brady; defenders Sergiño Dest, Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, Miles Robinson and Austin Trusty; midfielders Tyler Adams, Sebastian Berhalter, Gio Reyna and Malik Tillman.
Peru fields three players with Orlando ties. Keeper Pedro Gallese logged six seasons with the club, leaving as record holder for minutes, saves, wins and shutouts. Midfielder Yoshimar Yotún played in 2017‑18 and earned an MLS All‑Star nod in his second year. Wilder Cartagena remains with Orlando City, tallying 16 appearances this season.
Peru sits 50th globally and missed out on 2026 World Cup qualification. Former Brazil boss Mano Menezes took charge in January. The US holds a 3‑2‑2 edge over Peru, with the last meeting a 1‑1 draw in 2018.
The US faces Chile next Tuesday in St. Louis. Additional friendlies: Mexico in Glendale, Arizona next Saturday, and Canada on Oct. 6 in St. Paul, Minnesota. These matches feed the push toward the CONCACAF Nations League, with the first leg abroad on Nov. 14 and the return on Nov. 17 in Cincinnati; the opponent will be set next month.
The roster – will this youthful mix surprise opponents?
Goalkeepers: Brady (Chicago), Freese (New York City), Diego Kochen (Lyngby), Brian Schwake (Nashville).
Defenders: George Campbell (West Bromwich Albion), Dest (PSV Eindhoven), Freeman, Peyton Miller (New England), Neil Pierre (Philadelphia), Richards (Crystal Palace), Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Miles Robinson (Cincinnati), Trusty (Celtic), Frankie Westfield (Philadelphia).
Midfielders: Adams (Bournemouth), Mathis Albert (Borussia Dortmund), Berhalter (Middlesbrough), Zavier Gozo (Crystal Palace), Adri Mehmeti (New York Red Bulls), Yunus Musah (AC Milan), Brooklyn Raines (New England), Reyna (Strasbourg), Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen).
Forwards: Cole Campbell (SV Elversberg), Ellis, Julian Hall (New York Red Bulls), Downs (St. Louis City SC), Sullivan.