Gatt joins initial US group for Olympic qualifiers

CHICAGO (AP) — Molde defender Josh Gatt is among 19 players on the initial U.S. roster for men’s Olympic soccer qualifying this month.

Gatt, who plays right back for his club, missed last month’s training camp because of an ankle injury.

Five players weren’t included who were picked for the February camp: defenders Greg Garza and Alfredo Morales, midfielder Dilly Duka (Columbus) and forwards Jack McInerney and Tony Taylor.

Clubs are not obligated by FIFA to release players for men’s Olympic qualifying, which is limited to players under 23.

Twenty-man rosters must be finalized by March 20.

The U.S. starts Olympic qualifying in the North and Central American and Caribbean region against Cuba (March 22), then plays Canada (March 24) and El Salvador (March 26), with all three games at Nashville, Tenn.