Steffen, who has 30 appearances for the U.S., left the camp after picking up a knee injury and seems unlikely to feature at the Gold Cup
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
USMNT GK Steffen withdraws from camp due to injuryVeteran has returned to Colorado Rapids for evaluationMatt Freese joins as replacementGet the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowWHAT HAPPENED?
Zack Steffen has departed U.S. men's national team camp with a knee injury, U.S. Soccer and the Colorado Rapids announced on Wednesday.
In a statement posted on social media, the MLS side said: "Zack Steffen suffered an injury to his knee at national team camp and has returned to Colorado for further examination."
Steffen is the second goalkeeper this camp to drop out due to injury, following Columbus Crew shotstopper Patrick Schulte. With the Rapids' goalkeeper's departure, that leaves Matt Turner, Matt Freese, and Chris Brady as the three goalkeepers left in camp ahead of the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
AdvertisementImagnTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The USMNT are playing in their final major tournament ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the Gold Cup this summer, as manager Mauricio Pochettino looks to finalize his roster ahead of the competition next year that will be hosted across Mexico, Canada, and the USA.
Without Steffen available, it's expected that Turner will be the starting goalkeeper for the tournament, with Freese and Brady contending for the starting spot. Turner, who won an FA Cup with Crystal Palace this past season, only made four total appearances across all competitions for the this past season. This summer, it's expected he will move, and the 30-year-old has even hinted that he's open to a return to MLS.
DID YOU KNOW?
The USMNT last won the Gold Cup in 2021, and are looking to return to the top of the North American throne this summer.
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR THE USMNT?
The U.S. take on Turkey in an international friendly on Saturday as part of their preparation for the Gold Cup. Steffen, meanwhile, is set to be evaluated upon returning to Colorado.
