ORLANDO, Fla. – Henry Kessler’s first experience with the U.S. Under-23 National Team came to an end this past weekend, as the 22-year-old center back was not named to the roster for the senior U.S. Men’s National Team friendly against Trinidad & Tobago on Sunday, January 31 (7 p.m. ET, FS1).
While there was certainly disappointment in not claiming a spot on the squad, Kessler received a bit of immediate encouragement from his New England Revolution teammate Matt Turner, also in camp with the USMNT and hoping to make his first-ever international appearance on Sunday night.
“I talked to Kess. I know he was disappointed not to be here,” Turner said on Monday afternoon from Orlando, Fla., having shifted camp from IMG Academy in Bradenton. “He’s a competitive guy. He had a really great season [with the Revs].
“I told him, ‘Listen, the only thing you can do now is get back to work. You’re young. You’ve had one year as a professional, and you ended it with a call-up to the national team U-23s. Just keep going. Don’t let it discourage you. I know this was a big goal of yours.’ But I listed a few of my goals that I have and that I’ve failed at achieving, and [said], ‘You’ve just got to keep moving forward.’”
Kessler earned his opportunity with the Under-23 squad on the back of a stellar rookie campaign, in which he appeared in 22 of 23 regular season games and played every minute of the Revolution’s postseason run to the Eastern Conference Final. Throughout the course of the season he formed bonds with both his goalkeeper, Turner, and his fellow center back partner, Andrew Farrell.
Turner and Farrell have combined for 13 years of professional experience, making them the perfect mentors for a young defender like Kessler.
“I know that as a veteran of the Revolution now, I’ve been able to help him and guide him,” said Turner, entering his sixth season in New England. “I know he has a really great relationship with Andrew Farrell, as well, and I think the three of us have formed a really great partnership, and I think that it will help keep him going and motivated.
“I think he learned a lot and grew a ton as a player, professional, and most importantly as a person with his time here [in USMNT camp].”
Kessler’s time in January camp wasn’t only beneficial for the player, but also for USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter, who had his first opportunity to work with Kessler for an extended period during the two-week joint camp between the U-23s and senior squad.
“We had seven center backs in camp, and it was a really good mix of center backs with experience and youth, and different qualities,” said Berhalter. “Unfortunately, Henry Kessler, Aboubacar Keita (Columbus), and Donovan Pines (D.C. United) went home – they didn’t make the final roster – but it was great to see them, great to work with them. I think they’re all players with big, big potential. It’ll be exciting to watch them develop this year on the field.”
