Rapids calls on national team over Zack Steffens USMNT rejection

The Colorado Rapids expressed their outrage on social media over goalkeeper Zack Steffen not being named to the U.S. national team's September squad.

Steffen has not appeared for the USMNT since March 2022 and was last called up for the Concacaf Nations League in March 2023, but was on the bench for two games.

The 29-year-old has enjoyed a renaissance with the Rapids this season, playing a key role in the team's run to third place in this summer's Leagues Cup, where the Rapids defeated FOUR Liga MX teams and won three penalty shootouts.

Steffen was outstanding for the Rapids in the four games against Liga MX teams and was named Man of the Match four times in a row.

Steffen delivered an outstanding performance in each of the three shootouts and qualified the Rapids for the next Concacaf Champions Cup.

Four goalkeepers were named to the current USMNT roster, but Steffen was not among them. The Rapids were angry.

In case you missed it … because @USMNT definitely missed it#Rapids96 pic.twitter.com/Xb8OuPsEeR

The club even commented on the USMNT's official Instagram post, saying, “You misspelled 'Zack Steffen' four times,” in reference to the four goalies who were drafted in Steffen's place.

It's not often that an MLS team goes head-to-head with the national team. Do the Rapids have a chance?

We think this is possible.

Goalkeeping is one of the most worrying positions on the field in the United States right now. Matt Turner is the usual starter but rarely plays overseas. He lost his starting place at Nottingham Forest last season and will now play second fiddle on loan at Crystal Palace.

Ethan Horvath is the next goalkeeper and has had a difficult start to the new EFL Championship season with Cardiff City. The 29-year-old conceded 10 goals in his first four games, including one mistake that will be remembered for the ages.

This is not a game that American goalkeeper Ethan Horvath wants to watch again. pic.twitter.com/3VieWf1WfT

Columbus Crew goalkeeper Patrick Schulte has also been named to the USMNT's upcoming training camp. Schulte played for the U.S. at the Olympics and had a mediocre tournament, conceding eight goals in four games, including four against Morocco in the quarterfinals.

Schulte has performed well with the Crew this season, conceding only 29 goals in 30 appearances in all competitions.

Should Steffen be considered for future squads?