Frank Christian
Marko Mitrovic, the coach leading the first U.S. men’s team in the Olympics since 2008, made a surprising decision to not include MLS star Diego Luna in the 18-player roster. Despite this, questions about this omission were not raised during a U.S. Soccer press conference.
Mitrovic highlighted the Under-20 squad’s achievements in winning the CONCACAF championship in 2022, securing a spot in the Olympics. Luna played a crucial role in this success with impressive performances. However, this wasn’t enough to secure him a spot on the Olympic team.
Luna, who is excelling with Real Salt Lake, was offered a role as an alternate for the Paris Olympics but declined the offer. Mitrovic mentioned it was a tough decision to leave Luna out of the roster.
Reasons for Diego Luna’s Absence
Luna chose to focus on his club team’s successful season instead of being a backup player in Paris. His decision reflects a desire to continue contributing actively on the field rather than sitting on the sidelines.
Luna’s potential to represent Mexico in international competitions adds complexity to his future in soccer. Despite this, he has showcased his talents with notable performances for Real Salt Lake.
After being left out of the U-23 roster, Luna expressed confidence in returning for the Olympics. His recent form in the MLS further underscores his capabilities as a player.
2024 USA Men’s Olympic Team Roster Highlights
In the midfield, Mitrovic opted for players like Djordje Mihailovic and Gianluca Busio for the attacking roles. The rest of the roster includes talented individuals like Patrick Schulte, Miles Robinson, and Paxten Aaronson, among others.
The selection process for the team has sparked discussions about Luna’s absence and the coach’s decision-making. Luna’s performances continue to impress, leaving many to question his exclusion from the Olympic squad.
