Atlanta's Almiron among those called up by Paraguay for friendly vs. US

Atlanta United playmaker Miguel Almiron has been named to the Paraguay squad that will visit the United States for an international friendly this month, headlining a group that should pose a stiff test for Dave Sarachan’s US national team side.

Calling a mixture of domestic-based and overseas players, Paraguay manager Gustavo Morinigo announced his roster on Monday ahead of his team’s clash with the USMNT on March 27 at Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina (7:30 pm ET | FS1, UniMás, UDN), home of USL side North Carolina FC and the NWSL’s North Carolina Courage.

A 2017 MLS All-Star and Best XI honoree, Almiron netted his first goal and assist of the new season in Atlanta’s 3-1 win over D.C. United on Sunday. He’ll look to add to his 10 Paraguay caps in Cary.

Presently No. 30 in FIFA’s World Rankings, Los Guaraníes were unable to qualify for this year’s World Cup, finishing seventh in CONMEBOL’s daunting qualification process.

Full Paraguay roster

GOALKEEPERS: Roberto Junior Fernández (Botafogo, Brazil), Alfredo Aguilar (Olimpia, Paraguay)

DEFENDERS: Fabián Balbuena (Corinthians, Brazil), Gustavo Gómez (AC Milan, Italy), Juan Patiño (Olimpia, Paraguay), Bruno Valdez (América, Mexico), Junior Alonso (Lille, France), Luis de la Cruz (Guarani, Paraguay)

MIDFIELDERS: Richard Ortíz (Olimpia, Paraguay), Cristian Riveros (Libertad, Paraguay), Richard Sánchez (Olimpia, Paraguay), Juan Rodrigo Rojas (Cerro Porteño, Paraguay), Miguel Almiron (Atlanta United), Néstor Camacho (Olimpia, Paraguay), Hernán Pérez (Alavés, Spain), Derlis González (Dynamo Kiev, Ukraine), Óscar Romero (Shangai Shenhua, China), Cecilio Domínguez (América, México)

STRIKERS: Angel Romero (Corinthians, Brazil), Federico Santander (Copenhagen, Denmark), Roberto Ovelar (Millionaires, Colombia)