USMSNT Training Camp Ahead of Senior World Cup

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The US Men’s Senior National Team (Over 40) hosted their final training camp in North Augusta, South Carolina over Memorial Day weekend as they prepare for the Over 40 Senior World Cup being played in Thailand June 1-6, 2026.

The USMSNT Head Coach David Jones invited 33 players from across the USA to compete for one of the final 25-man roster spots in Thailand. The US will play in Group A at the Senior World Cup from June 1-6 versus Taiwan, Thailand, and England with the hopes of advancing out of the group into the knockout rounds. The USMSNT played in this same event in 2025 after a several-year absence dating back to pre-Covid era tournaments. Having that experience last year has really helped guide the team’s efforts here in 2026.

“We decided this year we will going be really focused on player recruitment this year and make sure we brought more players to training camp just in case,” said Head Coach and Graniteville, SC resident David Jones. “We went to Hawaii last year, and it was just a lot of travel. I live here so it has been easier for a logistical standpoint.”

“We have established great partnerships between Bulls Rush Soccer Club and North Augusta Parks and Rec,” said Jones about the reception and hospitality here in town.

“We have felt pretty confident in the recruitment process and felt like we have had the strongest team we have had so far,” continued Jones. “Now I have to reduce the players from 33 down to 25 bringing them into camp.”

The USMSNT conducted a youth soccer camp, several training sessions, team meetings, and two exhibition matches during their stay in North Augusta. The two exhibition matches featured three, 30-minute periods with a new 11 players each period giving all those invited into camp an opportunity to display their skills in the hopes of making the roster for Thailand.

Match one was played Saturday night under the lights and under the heavy rain showers as the USMSNT ran out a 3-1 win over the Fort Gordon Ballers. “Obviously the weather was hard to deal with on a technical level, so it was pretty hard to get into what we want them to do,” said Jones after the Saturday night match. “So mostly communication, movement and getting things done properly. (are the focus of match two).”

Match two was Sunday afternoon with the warm, humid game day ending in a 1-1 draw versus the USPL Division 1 Augusta Soccer Team. The team chemistry and organization grew from the first to second match as the group put in the work to continue building a dynamic side for the upcoming tournament. The team wrapped up camp on Memorial Day and briefly relocated to Charlotte, NC after the final team selection before departing for Thailand the next day.

“You have to have three 40–44-year-olds, four 45–49-year-olds and three 50-year-olds on the field at all times,” said Jones about the team selections. “A player might be a good player but not fit in the logistical puzzle piece we have to put together.”

With the camp concluded, the 25-man roster was announced on social media.

The USMSNT Roster:

Gregory Stellatos — Chicago, IL

Lucas Tickner — Alexandria, VA

Thomas Petykowski — Washington, DC

Jack Pocorobba — Chicago, IL

Matt Lucas — Annapolis, MD

Luis Zamora — San Diego, CA

Tim Blodgett — Charlotte, NC

Ryan Miles — Nashville, TN

Robbie Davies — Kansas City, MO

Patrick Crawford — Severna Park, MD

Jimmy Connor — Vineland, NJ

Omar Chavez — Joliet, IL

Mark Sterley — Snohomish, WA

Thomas Greenawalt — Philadelphia, PA

Carlos Perez — Chicago, IL

Dave Ortega — Pitman, NJ

Darren LaRocque — Elkridge, MD

Edgar Rivera — Chicago, IL

JJ Kovacovich — Milwaukee, WI

Ryan Schaeffer — Benicia, CA

Jeremy Moore — Charlotte, NC

Marcelo Abayay — Chicago, IL

Antonio Pullido — Chicago, IL

Chris Nystrom — Raleigh, NC

Mike Lodge — Mullica Hill, NJ

Standby:

Scott Balmos — St Thomas, US Virgin Islands

Kurt Hunt---Williamsburg, VA

The USMSNT will open the tournament versus Taiwan on June 1 at 7PM. All matches will be streamed on the Amigo Sports Media YouTube channel. USMSNT Senior World Cup Schedule: June 1 VS Taiwan, Ubon Ratchathani Sport School Stadium, 7 PM June 2 VS Thailand, UMT Stadium, 5 PM June 3 VS England, UMT Stadium, 5 PM June 4 Football for Kids Community Activity, Ubon Ratchathani Sport School Stadium, 4 PM June 5 Semifinal June 6 Final and Closing Ceremony

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