Brian Gutiérrez is no stranger to accolades. After a standout career in the Chicago Fire Academy, the midfielder became the 16th Homegrown signing in Chicago Fire FC history in 2020. Only 16 years old at the time, he was already a familiar face within the United States Youth National Teams, where he featured since 2017. Gutiérrez was named to the 2024 MLS 22 Under 22 class for the second consecutive year, after becoming the second Homegrown Player in Club history to appear in 100 or more matches.
Despite the success, one thing had eluded the Chicago-native: a call-up to the senior U.S. Men’s National Team. This changed on January 6, when Gutiérrez was announced as one of 24 players called into the USMNT’s January camp by head coach Mauricio Pochettino, and one of seven earning their first call-up with the senior team. He readily shared his enthusiasm with media members in a press conference held at the camp.
“I was really excited, really happy,” said Gutiérrez. “It’s been a great camp so far. The intensity of the group and of the coaching staff is always there.”
The significance of this call-up is not lost on Gutiérrez or Chicago Fire FC Director of Football and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter. The January training camp has traditionally featured breakout stars getting a taste of the senior team. As a former head coach and player for the Stars and Stripes, Berhalter is well aware of what this could mean for the Homegrown’s future.
“This is an opportunity to really put his mark on the program,” said Berhalter. “I was involved in a lot of January camps and know exactly what it's like. I also know that players come out of January camp and stick to the roster.”
Upon hearing about the call-up, Berhalter emphasized to Gutiérrez enjoying the time spent in camp. The midfielder has taken the advice to heart, in addition to connecting with – and learning from – an experienced coach like Pochettino.
“It's been great so far,” said Gutiérrez. “I think he's really intense with everybody, but at the same time, he's always there for you, and always gives you that [pat] in the back.
“I think he's making us better every day, and he's showing us that we need to be bringing that intensity, and that's what we're doing right now.”
As a bilingual Chicago native, Gutiérrez relishes being able to communicate in both English and Spanish with the Argentine coach, adding that it helps make him and other teammates more comfortable without language barriers. But above all, it’s the chance to make his mark with the national team that matters to him the most.
“I think it's more of a ‘seize your opportunity’ in the national team,” said Gutiérrez. “When you're at camp, showing your best ability and obviously you’re performing with your club, that's the most important thing. That's how you get looked at. I think that from there, you can move on and you could talk about stuff like [earning more call-ups].”
The USMNT will open its 2025 schedule against 2024 Copa America quarterfinalists Venezuela on Saturday, Jan. 18 at Chase Stadium in Ft. Lauderdale. Kickoff for the USA’s first match of the year is set for 2 p.m. CT. The match will be broadcast live on TNT, Telemundo, Universo, Max and Peacock, with Spanish-language audio available on Fútbol de Primera radio.
The team will then head to Orlando and complete the two-match Florida swing with a friendly against Costa Rica on Wednesday, Jan. 22 at Inter&Co Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. CT. TNT, truTV, Universo, Max and Peacock will show the match live, with Spanish-language audio provided by Fútbol de Primera radio.
