USMNT names MLS-heavy lineup for Mexico friendly

"We are delighted with the group we've put together," Hudson told the U.S. Soccer Federation. "Any time you get to play against your closest rivals it's a special opportunity, and we have players who understand what this rivalry is all about."

Twenty-one of Hudson's 23 selections play in MLS — a big change from his last lineup, which included only one domestically based player. With this friendly taking place outside the FIFA-sanctioned international windows, Hudson struggled to convince foreign clubs to release their American athletes. Only AC Milan's Sergiño Dest and FC Juárez's Alan Soñora will join the squad from abroad.

This means that several underrated MLS players have opportunities to impress Hudson and the American public before the Nations League fixtures in June.

Seattle Sounders star Jordan Morris, the top scorer in MLS, will bolster the USMNT's attack after missing out on the last roster. He is joined up front by Jesús Ferreira, who has four goals in seven matches this season for Dallas, and Brandon Vazquez, who leads the front line for first-place FC Cincinnati.

Nashville SC's Walker Zimmerman and Shaq Moore return on defense after their stellar World Cup performances. They're joined by FC Cincinnati's Matt Miazga and Atlanta's Caleb Wiley, who have been crucial for their clubs in the beginning of the MLS season.

One notable absence from this lineup is Club América's Alex Zendejas. The 25-year-old striker scored his debut goal for the U.S. last month against Grenada and looks set to be a USMNT fixture for the near future. Club América, however, refused to release Zendejas for this fixture, citing an injury he suffered recently in Liga MX. 

Given that Zendejas's injury was minor (a fractured nose is suspected), many fans might wonder if some old-fashioned CONCACAF gamesmanship is afoot. Perhaps the Mexican club is exaggerating the seriousness of Zendejas' injury simply so its star striker won't score against El Tri.

Regardless of player availability, Hudson and his staff are looking forward to this Mexico fixture.

"It's another chance to build on the progress we have made in the last four years and prepare for the defense of our two CONCACAF titles this summer," he said, per SoccerWire.

The 23-man roster will convene in Arizona after this weekend's MLS games. The Americans will line up against Mexico on Wednesday night.