Union Homegrowns Harriel and McGlynn Selected For Paris 2024
Contributor – Ryan Straub
On Monday, the U.S. Soccer Federation announced its final roster that will compete in the upcoming 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. Featured in the squad are two Union homegrowns, defender Nathan Harriel and midfielder Jack McGlynn. Managed by Marko Mitrović, this summer marks the U.S. Men’s return to the Olympics for the first time since 2008.
The Olympic Men’s Soccer Tournament is restricted to players under the age of 23, with an allowance for three overage players. The competition is for developing winning teams and provides some of the nation’s top young talents, like Harriel and McGlynn, the chance to compete against top opponents on a global scale after advancing through the ranks of American soccer development.
To say the Union’s season up until this point has been a massive disappointment would be an understatement. The squad that was leading 3-2 with about 90 seconds remaining in MLS Cup a short 20 months ago now sits in 14th place in the Eastern Conference, having only won 4 of their 22 league games so far this season. They’ve failed to win each of their last nine games and have won just two games since the start of April.
Union Olympians
Despite the Union’s struggles so far this season, Harriel and McGlynn have certainly been two bright spots on the roster. Harriel, 23, has started 20 games for the Union this season, recording 3 assists in almost entirely a defensive role. For the United States, he’s appeared in seven games for the U23s, scoring 1 goal.
McGlynn, 21, has had a fantastic season and is proving why European scouts believe he will be playing in Europe in the near future. In 18 starts, he’s scored 3 goals and recorded 5 assists while playing in an attacking-midfielder role. He’s made 21 appearances for the United States U20s and seven for the U23s. In January, he made his senior debut against Slovenia and has been irreplaceable for the Union this year.
Former Union Homegrowns Also Selected
At just 20 years of age, former Union homegrown midfielder Paxten Aaronson was also selected to represent the Stars and Stripes in Paris. Currently on loan to FC Utrecht in the Eredivisie, he signed a $4 million plus deal for German side Eintracht Frankfurt in January 2023. Aaronson made 37 appearances for the Union, scoring 4 goals, and is still highly regarded as one of the many bright young stars that United States soccer has to offer.
Team USA’s Schedule
Make sure to keep an eye out for these Union homegrowns as they represent the United States in one of the biggest sporting events in the world! The squad’s group stage schedule is as follows:
Wednesday, July 24th, 3:00 pm vs France
Saturday, July 27th, 1:00 pm vs New Zealand
Tuesday, July 30th, 1:00 pm vs Guinea