The first U.S. Men’s National Team camp of the year wrapped up Saturday night in Carson, California with the U.S. playing to a 0-0 draw against Colombia at Dignity Health Sports Park. Brandon Vazquez and Roman Celentano earned their first senior team call-ups and were two of 24 players invited to the January camp.
Vazquez was one of seven forwards to attend the camp, which included three other MLS attackers in Paul Arriola (FC Dallas), Cade Cowell (San Jose Earthquakes) and Jesús Ferreira (FC Dallas). It was a dream debut for Vazquez who earned his first senior team start and scored his first senior team goal in the 29th minute against Serbia to give the U.S. a 1-0 lead.
The in-form striker also played 27 minutes against Colombia, replacing Ferreira as the U.S. chased a winner in the match.
Celentano’s breakout 2022 MLS campaign put him in the conversation for a USMNT call-up, and his participation in the January camp is his first international experience at any level. Celentano was one of three goalkeepers invited to the camp, alongside Sean Johnson (Toronto FC) and Gaga Slonina (Chelsea FC).
While Celentano did not see action in either of the two friendlies, it was a big moment for the second-year goalkeeper out of Indiana University, who was able to train with and meet U.S. Soccer staff for the first time.
Vazquez and Celentano have rejoined FC Cincinnati in Clearwater, Fla. and will continue preseason training with the Orange and Blue, which continues ahead of Wednesday’s preseason match against the University of South Florida.
