The international break is underway, and there are eight Union players scattered across the globe representing their countries in soccer’s busy summer slate of tournaments.
Two homegrowns are among the contingent away from the club, but they didn’t travel too far. Nate Harriel and Jack McGlynn stayed stateside, participating in the United States U-23 team’s final pre-camp before official preparations for the 2024 Paris Olympic games begin.
The pair are two of just nine players that have been called up to each of the squad’s four Olympic pre-camps, but this one could be the most important yet, as it marks the last time they’ll train and compete under the U-23 staff before they select the final roster for the games.
Before departing for Kansas City, where they’ll take on Japan in an international friendly on June 11th, McGlynn and Harriel reflected on their experiences with the team so far and their hopes for the weeks to come.
“It's really cool to be this close to the Olympics and still be a part of the group. I think we've come a long way since the start and to be in that last final pre-camp is a good feeling,” 20-year-old midfielder Jack McGlynn said.
An Olympic soccer team roster consists of 18 players and the men’s competition is considered a under-23 tournament, meaning participants must be born on or after January 1, 2001. Per FIFA’s structuring rules, each country’s team is allowed three exceptions, but Harriel and McGlynn each fall within the given age criteria, making them eligible to be named to the final group. This final camp features 25 players, including Nashville SC’s Walker Zimmerman, who joined as the lone overage participant.
“There's so many good players, and there's a lot of interchange with the group that comes into camp. This is the biggest one yet so far with a bunch of new players. So, we'll just wait and see,” Harriel said of the fluctuating roster.
The 23-year-old defender’s earliest memories of the games are of London 2012’s track action; he cited Jamaican track star Usain Bolt’s record-setting 100 meter dash and the 4x100 relay as the moments he remembers best. For him, the opportunity to compete on the same stage would be an unrivaled honor.
“I mean, it's the Olympics. It's the biggest thing for any athlete; the top of the top. To be able to go and represent the country and the Philadelphia Union along with it would be amazing,” Harriel said.
Harriel’s been a key fixture of the Union’s defense as of late, proving himself to be a swiss army knife-esque player that can step up at any position on the backline. His natural position is right back, but he’s filled in on the left and at centerback this season, playing well at both. His adaptability makes him a strong candidate for a roster spot, while McGlynn’s lethal left-foot and prolific passing are the standout characteristics on his resume. He has two goals and four assists so far this season, taking both scoring shots from far outside the box.
“I think it'd be a great feeling. Obviously, the Olympics are something you look forward to as a kid, You watch it on TV with all the best athletes in the world and to think we could be a part of that? It would be special.”
U.S. Soccer still needs to pair down the roster to a group of 18 players, and the 25 invited to this most recent camp, doesn’t include the extra two overagers Head Coach Marko Mitrovic is able to add. In their match on Tuesday against Japan, McGlynn and Harriel will battle not only for their country, but for a spot on the final roster that’ll begin their Olympic campaign on July 24th against France.
The match will be streamed on UNIVERSO and YouTube so be sure to tune in and watch the action at Children's Mercy Park!
