USA to test young talent against Slovenia in January

English Woman's Journal - USA to test young talent against Slovenia in January

SPORTS 27.11.2023

USA to test young talent against Slovenia in January / Photo: ALEX GRIMM - GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP/File

The United States national team will begin its 2024 campaign with a January 20 friendly against Slovenia at San Antonio, US Soccer announced on Monday.

Change text size:

US coach Gregg Berhalter plans to look at young talent in launching a year that will feature a host role in Copa America, the Paris Olympics and a bid to win a third consecutive CONCACAF Nations League title.

"This is an opportunity for us to identify and work with the next generation of players who have the potential to make an impact on our program," Berhalter said.

"With the World Cup coming to the United States in 2026, we have placed a huge priority on getting as many players as possible experience in important competitions.

"Between the Olympics, CONCACAF Nations League and Copa America, the chances are there for players to make a statement and, for many of them, the game in San Antonio can be an important first step."

It will be the Americans' first visit to San Antonio since 2015, when they blanked Mexico 2-0.

Slovenia, which has booked a berth in the 2024 UEFA European championship, drew 2-2 with the USA in the 2010 World Cup and fell 3-2 at home to the Americans in a 2011 friendly in their only prior matches.

The host Americans will face Jamaica in a Nations League semi-final in March. They have already qualified for June's Copa America, featuring 10 South American sides and six from North America.

Lionel Messi-led Argentina, the reigning World Cup champions, will try to defend the Copa America crown.

Ch.Anderson--EWJ

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.

Tayyab Arif hits 57 on Pakistan Test debut against Sri Lanka

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan (AP) — Tayyab Arif smashed an aggressive half-century on debut and provided a new-look Pakistan lineup a confident start to the first cricket test against Sri Lanka on Monday. The 20-year-old Tayyab struck nine boundaries and a six in his 57-run knock as Pakistan reached 137-2 at lunch on a greenish wicket that lured Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis to bowl first after winning the toss.

English Woman's Journal - USA to test young talent against Slovenia in January