Big thanks to Derby, Jay & Ethan for joining us today to talk USA-v-Nigeria and the World Cup just a week away.
Grab a glass of Southern Tier's Unearthly Imperial IPA and enjoy.
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OH MY GOODNESS...WE'RE BACK!! Big thanks to Derby, Jay & Ethan for joining us today to talk USA-v-Nigeria and the World Cup just a week away. Grab a glass of Southern Tier's Unearthly Imperial IPA and enjoy. Click Below An UnEarthly Task Ahead
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Yay!! I'm doing this really early because I have a few posts planned following the Mexico game on April 2. The announcement of Klinsmann's roster should lock down a few things, for some players, force a few players out for good and muddy the waters for spots 22 & 23
Tim Howard, G - Usually saves his best games for Mexico Brad Guzan, G - Stellar one week in the EPL, bleeds 4 the next...still can't complain much when you play for a team like Aston Villa Nick Rimando, G - Who'd you expect? Cody Cropper? Geoff Cameron, D - See his goal against Guzan the other day? NICE Matt Beslar, D - Sporting's new captain is consistent...can't really find any real faults Omar Gonzalez, D - Played solidly, but not perfectly through the first few games of CCL and MLS. His air dominance seems to have dropped off a bit Fabian Johnson, D - Anyone else noticed how well this RIGHT BACK is playing in the Bundesliga now? DaMarcus Beasley, D - Haven't seen him play yet this yearafter he played almost every game last year for the USMNT...RUN DMB Michael Parkhurst, D - Simon Borg from MLSSoccer.com said it best, he's too versatile to leave at home Clarence Goodson, D - Dropped slightly because of injury concerns...which scares me considering Gooch and Brooks shouldn't have a shot anymore Brad Evans, D - Dolo retired. Chandler and Lichaj are hurt. Castillo, Brooks & Gooch stunk up the place against Ukraine. Garza hasn't been featured yet. Yedlin is very young. Its beginning to seem like, the closer we get to a World Cup where Brad Evans may be starting that someone needs to go "ok, but seriously now, our ACTUAL right back is..." Michael Bradley, M - Has completely owned MLS since returning, I have watched all 180 minutes of his Toronto FC career and though it still looks a little rough...he is so damn good Landon Donovan, M - Moving him from Foward to Midfield on my chart. Hasn't blown us away, but is doing the little things that make him so much fun to watch (little concerned with his poor service on free kicks and corners) Graham Zusi, M - Solid start to MLS, very interested to see how San Zusi plays against El Tri Jermaine Jones, M - Be nice to have him paied with Bradley again...but who knows maybe the Beckerman or Edu pairing looks better...Coach K won't care even if it does Kyle Beckerman, M - Amazing start to his season, and without Kljestan nipping at his heels anymore he is a lock now Mix Diskerud, M - Haven't seen him since Korea...but it feels like so much longer. Unless our memory is that bad, he will be on this roster Maurice Edu, M - Unless he completely collapses on April 2, he's back in the line-up. Edu has been great this season Alejandro Bedoya, M - Just doesn't do enough for me. Shea, Green, Corona or Davis are a breakout game away from knocking him off Aron Johannsson, F - Seems to be catching the US pool's striker-itis. 2 missed PK's in 2 games...uh oh Clint Dempsey, F - Dammit Deuce! You finally get a goal and then get yourself suspended for a stupid foul. WHY?! That stuff could really hurt us in Brazil Jozy Altidore, F - This drought is making me sick to my stomach, but what can we do? Eddie Johnson, F - DC is lacking a playmaker and because of that EJ is cooling...this is a problem Fun fact, we could see a line-up against Mexico that features 8 of 11 starters for the World Cup squad.. Now that we've got that, lets round out the final 7 who should be called into camp in May in one sentence Brek Shea, M - So talented, but a complete headcase, having his loan cut short may be the nail in his coffin Chris Wondolowski, F - Probably will just miss out, but could fight his way in if he starts scoring Michael Orozco Fiscal, D - Versatile player, could step in for Parkhurst or Goodson if injuries hold them out Julian Green, F - I'm not fooling myself, the kid only plays in the German 4th Division...but raw talent and potential may win out for that last spot Danny Williams, M or Sacha Kljestan, M - One will come to camp Terrence Boyd, F or Hercules Gomez, F or Juan Agudelo, F or - Any in form striker with an American passport: Will Bruin, Mike Magee, Jack McInerney, etc DeAndre Yedlin, D - Having a great season thus far and most people would strongly prefer him to Evans...plus he has game changing athleticism Ok so we do the US roster prediction every single month where we name 30-35 players who have a legitimate chance of making the US roster for the 2014 World Cup. The truth is we are now at the point where players are no longer earning their way onto the roster, they are being bumped off. Maybe other people are playing better than them, maybe they have hit a bad run of form, maybe they are injured. Lets take a look at players who will not be on the plane to Brazil as of March 7th (note, we are only looking at players who truly had a chance and at least a handful of call-ups in important games, you'll see no Gold Cup bench players here {ie Will Bruin & Tony Beltran})
John Anthony Brooks, D - Oh man did we have high hopes for this kid. Unfortunately injuries and poor form cost him his place with his club and his first run out with the USMNT in 4 months he was personally responsible for both goals. Sorry kid, see you in 2018...the good news is he is unlikely to be snatched by Germany at this time Oguchi Onyewu, D - I think Gooch just saw his national team career end in Cyrus on Wednesday. He was not the imposing figure we saw from 2006-2009 and it is hard to imagine a time when he was getting a paycheck from AC Milan. He wasn't the worst player on the field...but he needed to prove himself against top talent and we were left wanting. Edgar Castillo, D - Wouldn't surprise me to see him on the roster in April against Mexico, but he has failed time and time against to defend against top teams and against Ukraine he wasn't even useful in the attack. Terrence Boyd, F - Has a 50/50 chance to make the 30 man roster. He only has 222 minutes in two years with the USMNT and only one start (against Scotland in 2012). I'm not reading too much into Agudelo going in for Jozy, but Boyd has not done enough with his limited appearances and Agudelo just has a better skillset Stuart Holden, M - This one just bums me out. Holden was one of my favorite players and I admire his drive, positivity and enthusiasm, but this is one setback too many. This latest knee injury would signal to a lot of people that his career is pretty much over, sorry Stu. There are more than a few players who need to show up and perform for their clubs over the next month or find themselves on this list, most of them are right back because that is still where we have the biggest questions Need to perform- Timmy Chandler, Sacha Kljestan, Jose Torres, Hercules Gomez, Joe Corona, Steve Cherundolo, Julian Green Don't get me wrong, we appreciate the service that each of these men provided. I fully expect to see Terrence Boyd and John Brooks on future rosters, maybe even World Cup 2018, but you just aren't going to make the cut this time Ok, as this was the last chance I was gonna get to see the European guys till the 30 man roster comes out, I decided to wait until after the game against Ukraine...kinda wishing I hadn't but what are you gonna do.
Tim Howard, G - Not at fault for any of the goals scored against him by Ukraine, imagine how that game would've looked for him with our first choice pairing in front of him Brad Guzan, G - Is it 2018 yet? Nick Rimando, G - Based on RSL's track record in MLS, he isn't going to miss out because of a lack of club form Geoff Cameron, D - Didn't have the best game against Ukraine, but was easily the best defender. Should be the first choice right back come June Omar Gonzalez, D - LA's big DP has to be feeling really secure in his spot right about now Matt Beslar, D - See above. I don't consider anyone else replacing either of these guys, we are going to start both of them or neither of them, they are one entity DaMarcus Beasley, D - May not start in the World Cup, but is most certainly going. The competition is now solely between him and Fabian Johnson Fabian Johnson, D - Looked lost in the attack against Ukraine, should focus on being a fullback from here on Clarence Goodson, D - No one benefited more from the Ukraine match than him. He is going to Brazil unless Orozco comes out of nowhere to take his spot in April Michael Parkhurst, D - I still wouldn't be surprised to see Evans and/or Chandler in the 30 man camp competing for the backup fullback spot. Parkhurst has versatility on his side Michael Bradley, M - As always, we look lost without him Graham Zusi, M - It shocks me that Bedoya started more at RM than Zusi in 2013. Zusi is your starter in Brazil right now Jermaine Jones, M - Had a very good second half against Ukraine, and Klinsi considers him park of the spine of this team. Mix Diskerud, M - Has been a very consistent performer for the squad and is a threat coming off the bench Kyle Beckerman, M - Should start (maybe even with Bradley) in April against Mexico. Hasn't had an glaring disappointments which is not necessarily how you want to build a roster, but there is something to be said about consistency...also his Korea game was great Alejandro Bedoya, M - What do you do? I just don't get the fascination, he can run all day yes, but he isn't a danger to score, he doesn't his great crosses or set pieces, he's not a shift player who will make you miss...might not be able to hang on to this spot much longer Brek Shea, M - I'm putting my foot down here. This the last guy to make the roster and he deserves it. He isn't necessarily going to dominate teams and he isn't a 90 minute player, but in the 75th minute when you need a goal, he is the blunt instrument who can make it happen Aron Johannsson, F - He is scoring Landon Donovan, F - I think Dempsey may be in danger of loosing his starting spot, Donovan has proven to be more dangerous Eddie Johnson, F - Finally got his DP contract, hopefully that will motivate him to score by the boatload Jozy Altidore, F - He is not scoring Clint Dempsey, F - Does he need to go to Thailand? He doesn't look like he's enjoying himself at all, and its affecting his play Chris Wondolowski, F - A brace against Korea!! If he even slightly shows against Mexico and can continue to score for the Quakes he should be on the plane. Yeah I know he isn't flashy, but neither was Edson Buddle or Hercules Gomez and they both earn a spot in 2010 This should be the rest of the 30 man roster gathering in May Maurice Edu, M - Now that he's playing again, can we please go back to a time when he was in EVERY SINGLE CAMP. Might make it if we call one less forward (or to step in for Shea, Bedoya or Beckerman) Timmy Chandler, D - I expect I would've had him either completely off the roster or in the 23 had he played against Ukraine. If he is healthy and fit I expect him to get the phone call in May due to our glaring depth issues on the backline Brad Evans, D - Has earned consideration just by being a fill-in last year. I'm not going to be upset if he's on the plane...and I won't be upset if he's not. The Korea performance may have forced him out Michael Orozco Fiscal, D - Back in the mix after a rough performance by the guys in Ukraine. Should get in against Mexico and deserves consideration due to his versatility Sacha Kljestan, M - Ugh, what an ugly game, but the sad news is I don't see him leaving anytime soon. You can easily switch him with Jose Torres, both are seeking a real place in the USMNT setup and both are struggling for minutes with their clubs...boy do I wish Stuart Holden was healthy. Juan Agudelo, F - His play in the Eredivisie will get him in the mix, but he needs to start scoring to threaten any of the deeply entrenched forwards Danny Williams, M - The only guy who played with real urgency (outside of Shea) in the Ukraine game. For the first time ever I find myself pulling for Danny Williams Ok so we've needed a little time to recover from the past few months. Charlie & I both got engaged (no, not to each other) this fall, and apparently you need to plan weddings. Also, I have personally been trying to remove all emotion before I start writing about the USMNT after the World Cup draw. Anyway, might as well get back to it by talking about what I feel the most comfortable with...
Tim Howard, G - I may be a little biased as an Everton fan, but Timmy has been having a great season...and you know what, bias aside, the states back it up. Brad Guzan, G - Aston Villa is struggling, but its not really the keepers fault. Still its good to have a keeper of his quality on the bench. Nick Rimando, G - Bummer that the second MLS Cup Final Shootout of his career didn't end as well as the first, but Rimando is still a heck of a shot stopper. Geoff Cameron, D - Maybe its just because I've watched Stoke a bit more lately, but Cameron seems to really be coming into his own at right back. Matt Beslar, D - MLS Champion...we'll ignore the missed PK. I am still upset we didn't get to seem him play against Austria and Scotland. Needs to show big in the suspected Euro friendlies in March Omar Gonzalez, D - More likely than Beslar to lose his spot at CB, but is clearly staying on the roster. Should feature in January. DaMarcus Beasley, D - We have 5 months to see if Beasley or Johnson will start at left back...Beasley started 17 of 23 games in the spot in 2013 Clarence Goodson, D - Gets the last CB spot on the grounds that Brooks is having issues with his squad...not to say he doesn't have a legitmate chance on his own merits. Brad Evans, D - I get the feeling that his spot is in jeopardy, not just if Cameron steps up...for more see the next one down. Steve Cherundolo, D - He's back on the horse, and I couldn't be happier. Wish he had more game time before the Bundesliga winter break...and also they didn't have a manager change...but still. Evans should be concerned, especially with Dolo's experience in Germany. Michael Bradley, M - Putting himself firmly in the mix at Roma...but the rumors of a transfer for more playing time are heating up, hopefully they won't cool him down (I don't feel proud of that) Graham Zusi, M - Lets be honest, this guy is a playmaker and a game changer, Bedoya is good, Zusi is better. Fabian Johnson, M - Alright...he's a midfielder...how do you play him Zusi, Dempsey, Donovan and Altidore? Jermaine Jones, M - It seems like every couple of months there is a new rift between Jones and Schalke, but Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Jones aren't anywhere close to trouble Brek Shea, M - Standing by this...transfer to Barnsley will help, wish it was for longer but still Shea is a spark off the bench. Mix Diskerud, M - Man do I want him to earn Jones' job, but I also love Mix coming off the Bench. I expect we will see him play in January and March and who knows he may become the starter we all hope he can/need him to be Alejandro Bedoya, M - Bedoya had a great summer, but since the Gold Cup he has been kinda "meh" with the US. Or maybe its just that Zusi is playing so well... Sacha Kljestan, M - Sacha is a better option than Torres... and Williams...to me its him or Beckerman right now, but considering we have European talent to play...he's got the edge Jozy Altidore, F - Score goals, score goals, score goals...is this getting through? Aron Johannsson, F - Bit of a man crush here, imagine a world where Mix, Shea and Bacon all come of the bench for more offense in the second half...OMG Landon Donovan, F - Only ahead of Dempsey because of how each of them ended their seasons. I hope he's healthy enough for January camp. Clint Dempsey, F - This Fulham loan is the best possible thing that could happen Eddie Johnson, F - DC is rebuilding and this is the perfect tool to start with. Hmm, wondering why he's all the way down here...oh yeah, I can't stand seeing him as a winger. Okedoky, now to the guys who are close but not quite there John Anthony Brooks - Whats going on between him and his coach? Kyle Beckerman - Could edge out Mix or Sacha...but he can't keep up with the group of death Michael Parkhurst - Transfer! Now! Terrence Boyd - 2016 can't get here soon enough. Danny Williams - He is a darkhorse to win a job, but he does have experience in Germany Hercules Gomez - A great early season in Liga MX could do him a world of good Michael Orozco Fiscal - Copy and paste from above and maybe an injury or two will help Edgar Castillo - On this list as a favor to Klinsi, but he's not gonna make it without a ton injuries Eric Lichaj - His name is in the mix...thats pretty much it. Timmy Chandler - Still holding out hope Klinsmann gives him one more chance in January or March Maurice Edu - See Michael Parkhurst Joe Corona - Shea and Bedoya may completely fall of the map...but that is really the only shot Just missed both lists (and by that I mean, these are the guys who have been on this list before) - Stuart Holden, Sean Johnson, Chris Wondolowski, Brad Davis, Jose Torres, Julian Green This is going to get more intense in just a few days when the draw happens. So lets go at it.
Tim Howard, G - Do I really have to justify why Tim Howard should be here? Hasn't been at fault for any opponents goal over the past few months. 10 shutouts under Klinsmann Brad Guzan, G - As we get closer to the World Cup, he seems to be stepping back a little more into the shadows. Nice to have a back-up of his caliber Nick Rimando, G - I take back every mean thing I've said, Rimando has quickly become one of my favorite players and is easily #3 in the keeper pool by far Geoff Cameron, D - Very good game at RB against Austria. Solid game at CB against Scotland, and has played very well at DM as well. Cameron might be close to a starting spot. DaMarcus Beasley, D - Really has a stranglehold on LB, even with Johnson healthy and in the line-up. Omar Gonzalez, D - Has been dominant in the air, offensively (when service allows) and defensively. Played well as the elder statesman at CB with Brooks against Austria Matt Beslar, D - Shame we didn't get to see him against European talent. We still haven't seen him play much against European sides (a B-team German only counts for half) Fabian Johnson, D - By January I may list him as a midfielder, because it seems unlikely he will ever play LB or RB again Brad Evans, D - Lichaj is finally in the mix, Dolo is healthy, Parkhurst will be moving in January to a team that will play him...Evans days may be numbered John Anthony Brooks, D - Its a crap shoot whether it will be Brooks or Goodson, but what Brooks lacks in experience he makes up in talent...plus he consistently plays in the Bundesliga against World Cup caliber players Michael Bradley, M - Rough outings in November, but even rough games from him are better than 80-90% of the US player pool Graham Zusi, M - Boy was he missed this month. Bedoya hasn't won the job, and Zusi looks great in the playoffs...an MLS cup would certain help Mix Diskerud, M - Most effective coming off the bench, but has not looked bad starting in either the 8 or the 10 Jermaine Jones, M - Ugh, please find a better option soon. He was soooo rough against Scotland and Austria. Cameron could and maybe should start in the destroyer role Brek Shea, M - Shea is soccer's equivalent to a pinch hitter, comes in only when we need him. Is not a starter at this level, but has looked very good coming off the bench during the gold cup and against Scotland Alejandro Bedoya, M - Has speed and can run forever, but we don't get the same service that we get from Donovan, Zusi or even Brad Davis Sacha Kljestan, M - Klinsmann will likely go with the flavor of the moment...also there aren't a lot of alternatives...Corona and Torres are pretty much done, Edu hasn't played in over 6 months, the list goes on and on Kyle Beckerman, M - Great destroyer, wins so many balls and covers so much ground...don't know if he makes the cut if Edu or Williams are healthy Jozy Altidore, F - Please don't be back in a slump...he worked his tail off in November but still showed up empty Eddie Johnson, F - Club situation is getting tricky, but still one of the most consistent scorers on the squad...also not a left wing...did you know that? Aron Johannsson, F - Just so much fun to watch, could've had a few in each of the games. Would love to see him start more Landon Donovan, F - Recovery for part of the winter, should be in the January camp or (fingers crossed) Everton Clint Dempsey, F - Should go on loan, but is in a major slump. Can't remember the last time Dempsey missed 4 straight games (not including Gold Cup or January Camp) I'm still a little worried that the RB situation is still unclear...granted the whole backline is unclear. Thats why most of the reserves...feature D Clarence Goodson, D - Could replace Brooks as the veteran presence on D Terrence Boyd, F - May ride his current hot streak right into the World Cup Steve Cherundolo, D - Great to see him in the 18 for Hannover, now win your jobs back Michael Orozco Fiscal, D - For some reason still in Klinsmann's mix, but is really only and injury replacement Edgar Castillo, D - A good back up wide option, especially if Johnson is having continued injury issues Eric Lichaj, D - RB is still unclear and he is finally in the mix Joe Corona, M - Only a single late call-up since the Gold Cup Michael Parkhurst, D - Consistency and veristility are his chief assest, unfortunately playing time hasn't been Chris Wondolowski, F - If his foot recovers and he goes on loan in January he may be in the mix Brad Davis, M - Wide player with great service, could find his way on the roster Hercules Gomez, F - Only 5 appearence in 2013 and non since the Gold Cup group stage, he might be done Julian Green, M - Officailly signed with Bayern Munich, needs to be locked up and soon. F Ok, I'm going to ask for a little leniancy here. I wrote most of this blog and had all of my notes prepared to post on November 1...but then the world caught up. So lets take this with a grain of salt and assume this is prior to the roster announcement for the November friendlies and any injury news
Tim Howard, G - How good was Tim Howard in the month of October. His form with Everton has been flawless and he has responded well to the clamouring for him to be replaced by Guzan Brad Guzan, G - Not the best outing against Panama, and you might say "well its tough to play on the road in CONCACAF"...this guy did post a shutout in Azteca in March. Took a step back...but not a big one Nick Rimando, G - RSL is on a tear right now. He isn't going anywhere Matt Beslar, D - CB depth is never a problem, has looked a little shakier in more recent performances both at club and international level...but its been a long year. Omar Gonzalez, D - His play against Mexico in September was amazing, He is starting to wear down a little bit, but like I said for Beslar...its been a long year DaMarcus Beasley, D - I don't think Beas has played this many games in a single season since 2004 and now that he is playing this position regularly at Puebla, I don't see him going anywhere Geoff Cameron, D - Nice game against Jamaica, should get a chance to play some more CB in January camp with Gonzo and Beslar in the play-off mix. Can he win the job? Clarence Goodson, D - Do we really need his veteran presence? I had a hard time putting him over John Brooks. He has played well, and has kind of earned this spot...but its a coin Fabian Johnson, D - I still see him as a defender, and now that we have seen a US line-up that features both Bedoya and Zusi at wide mid at the same time, I think he might lose that job Brad Evans, D - He...umm...well he hasn't lost the job yet Edgar Castillo, D - I don't feel good about this, but this is Klinsmann's call and I am just making a prediction. He was a game changer going forward against Jamaica and Panama...still don't trust him defensively Michael Bradley, M - Back from injury nothing should slow him down, the US looked rough without him over the last two months (exception being the Jermaine Jones revelation against Mexico) Graham Zusi, M - Look what happens when you threaten this man's roster spot. Hell of an October. Looked good wide left, wide right, hell he even looked decent in the middle a few times against Panama Jermaine Jones, M - Looked completely lost against Jamaica, this Jekyll and Hyde thing will cost him his job sooner or later Mix Diskerud, M - Hopefully we will finally see the Bradley-Mix midfield combo we have wanted for so long. Alejandro Bedoya, M - Ok so he's not a RB, but he still creates so much from the wing. The Zusi v Bedoya battle has only just begun Kyle Beckerman, M - If Jones loses his spot as a starter to a more creative player like Mix Diskerud I could see Beckerman losing his spot. He has done well, but his lack of natural athleticism will hurt him in Brazil Sacha Kljestan, M - Ok...I actually watching Anderlecht now and I see what everyone is saying. Kljestan deserves to be in Brazil IF we are only basing it on club performance, he played better in October than he has in awhile and Jurgen finally understands where to play him. But its very close Jozy Altidore, F - What a great vote of confidence for this young man to be named captain against Panama. He is getting some flack for his goal drought at Sunderland but even their coach cites a lack of service, something he has consistently gotten over the past 6 months with the US Eddie Johnson, F - Clearly the #2 in Jozy's spot, a supreme aerial threat with pace Landon Donovan, F - Get healthy soon. Go back to Everton in January Clint Dempsey, F - See above Aron Johanssonn, F - First off, the guy gets into space well and also is capable of creating his own shot, great goal against Panama. Second, did you see his reaction to the goal that crushed Panama's spirit? This kid is a class act, he did his job, like the coach wanted him to do, but there was no celebration, no arrogance, no gloating...I am a fan of Aron Johanssonn Really Quickly, one sentence each for the guys who miss the cut, in order of how close they are to a spot: Michael Parkhurst, D - Not better than Evans until he plays regularly for his club Brek Shea, M - Go on loan young man! Hercules Gomez, F - The younger options at forward are just better Joe Corona, M - Out of favor with club, out of time with country John Anthony Brooks, D - Could earn his spot if healthy in November Michael Orozco Fiscal, D - Consistency pays off, but won't put you on a plane for Brazil Terrence Boyd, F - Looking more like he'll have to wait for 2016...unless you cut a defender Timmy Chandler, D - Are the coaches paying attention to him yet? Maurice Edu, M - May replace Beckerman if heathly and playing, but looking less likely Jose Torres, M - Umm...no, not this time around Steve Cherundolo, D - Welcome back from injury, you can win your spot back with some hard work Brad Davis, M - Great game against Panama puts him on the bubble but not on the roster This blog and many other sites around the internet have spent a lot of time and text talking about the players that the US should take to the World Cup, and the players who might miss out. At the end of the day only 23 players will make the trip to Brazil, leaving at least 50 US players behind, 50 players who have been (at the very least) called into camp. Some of these guys are going to just barely miss out, like Taylor Twellman in 2006, and Alejandro Bedoya in 2010. Some of these players are not going to be in consideration at all, like Conor Lade who was called up to a January camp this past year but has hardly featured for his club team and Bobby Wood who just hasn't gotten a long enough look to make a difference. Let us take a look at some of the middle ground guys, players who have made significant contributions but won't be making the trip.
Brad Davis, M - In truth, one of my favorite players. With a deadly left foot and an extremely high soccer IQ, Davis has appeared in 6 games in 2013 on the left flank. But unfortunately he has detractors in speed and athleticism, he isn't necessarily going to beat anyone off the dribble like Fabian, EJ or Landon are going to. Could have a shot if a few guys get injured, but unlikely Chris Wondolowski, F - Finally broke his scoreless streak this summer, and did it with a bang, 6 goals in 3 games. He is one of the top poachers in the US system...but unfortunately he does not handle hold-up play or create his own shot at the international level at the same (well) level as Jozy, EJ, Terrence, Deuce, Herc or ArJo...the list could go on. He is a great January camp guy, and has featured 10 times for Klinsmann...but he won't be going to Brazil Juan Agudelo, F - Man this really sucks, I want him to go, but it will require him being superb when he goes to Stoke City. Until that happens he is buried. Danny Williams, M - He's actually playing at Reading, and he's playing very well, but Klinsmann has finally gotten over his excessive calling of defensive mids. Shame for a guy who has featured a dozen times for this team. Beckerman is clearly playing better than him right now, and JK strongly prefers Edu. Williams has been called up 23 times. Edu, 27 & Beckeran, 33 Oguchi Onyewu, D / Carlos Bocanegra, D - 2 guys, same reason. The youth movement at centerback means both these guys will stay home, they won't even be called in as a veteran presence...Goodson has earned that job Bill Hamid, G - The former starter for the U-23 squad has clearly fallen behind Sean Johnson in the pecking order, and even Johnson is sitting at 4th on the depth chart. Too many bonehead plays, too inconsistent...go to Europe soon kid Freddy Adu, M - Technically, he will be in Brazil...but not in a US jersey...you know why All of these guys have a shot (well, except Adu) but none of them are likely to go. I expect we will still see great things from these guys over the next few months and for some of them years, but 2014 isn't your time. See you in 2018 maybe...well not Gooch and Boca...most likely not Wondo and Davis e For a 30 day month, September seemed to take forever. The good news is that we are less than 2 weeks from the final World Cup Qualifiers, and since we last wrote in this series the United States has officially locked down a spot in the World Cup, so this stuff matters now...it mattered before, but casual folks are getting in on it now
Brad Guzan, G - I'm making the call. Guzan is more important to the US world cup chances than Tim Howard. I think Guzan will likely start the next two qualifiers and maybe one of the November friendlies...just try him... Tim Howard, G - Horrible game against Costa Rica, great game against Mexico. His EPL inconsistencies are more obvious than they had been in the past Nick Rimando, G - Has a chance to be on a team that gets the first treble in MLS history (MLS Cup, Supporters Shield and US Open Cup). The only reason he doesn't go is if...well just read the last two months articles Omar Gonzalez, D - Very good game against Mexico, one of the defensive bright spots against Costa Rica. It will take something special for him to be removed from the line-up Matt Beslar, D - That phantom foul in the Costa Rica game is one of the more upsetting things I have seen in a long time. Still, should start for the next two games and maybe November with Gonzo to solidify their positions Geoff Cameron, D - I initially ranked him farther down the list, but his performances at RB for Stoke have been great this month. I truly feel he will lock down that role by the end of the year Clarence Goodson, D - Filled in admirably against Mexico, his experience keeps him on the roster. Shame he may miss the next two qualifiers, but the next guy up (John Brooks) is hurt too, so his spot won't really be threatened Fabian Johnson, D - They finally listened to me. Johnson played RB against Mexico and I don't think he did terribly, he just isn't used to it. If he's healthy I could see him getting a look at RB in October and November DaMarcus Beasley, D - Costa Rica brings out his worst, Mexico brings out his best. Run-DMB stays and may even retain his starting job at LB Brad Evans, D - I don't necessarily like it...but he has yet to be beaten out for the RB job. He is a Parkhurst, Chandler or Cherundolo run of form away from losing his job. Michael Bradley, M - MVP, won't play in the last two Qualifiers because of his ankle Jermaine Jones, M - Played out of his mind in Mexico, but had a "meltdown" back at Schalke...is he actually hurt? I don't know. I don't expect to see his against Jamaica and Panama, but he should hopefully be back in the line-up soon. Mix Diskerud, M - I rank him this high, because of the wrinkle of creativity he adds to this roster, just look at his assists against Mexico & South Africa. If Bradley and Jones can't go in October, I expect him to start. Graham Zusi, M - Both for the US and for Sporting KC he is starting to look a little burnt out, and Bedoya is hot on his heels. Needs to have a solid showing in October or his stock will tumble Kyle Beckerman, M - Good game against Mexico and in the Gold Cup, benefitting from Edu's injury and Danny Williams inconsistency, but lets give credit where credit is due, he has stayed in Klinsmann's plans for the past 2 years and I don't see that changing Alejandro Bedoya, M - Clawing his way up the call sheet, he is in direct competition with Zusi and with his move to Nantes in Ligue 1, he may have an advantage Brek Shea, M - I know he hasn't played since the Gold Cup, but he is a game changing sub, and will only not make this roster is a better one emerges or he is hurt Joe Corona, M - This was a tough one...I don't like it either way...Corona needs to pick it up with Tijuana or he will be staying home next year. Jozy Altidore, F - I expect Jozy to drop more than a couple of goals in October after being starved for service at Sunderland, but still playing quite well, he will take his frustration out on Jamaica and Panama. Landon Donovan, F - Not even pink eye can stop him. I think we'll see him a Deuce switch up where they line-up a lot over the next few months Eddie Johnson, F - Set-piece specialist has been dynamic this year for Sounders and the US. He's the next guy up top behind Jozy Clint Dempsey, F - I want to say he missed that PK intentionally...but in truth, Deuce has been out of form for the past few months. In no way does that take him off this roster, but he needs to step up soon Aron Johansson, F - In less than 30 minutes this young man is one of the most exciting US propects and now he's tearing up Holland as well. Would love to see him get some extended minutes this fall and push Jozy and Eddie for time Now lets look at those guys who just miss out Michael Parkhurst, D - Flip a coin, heads its Evans, tails its Parkhurst. If he moves to MLS or England during the January window and he may win the RB job Hercules Gomez, F - Herc is working his way back to fitness and its hard to leave him off...but he's not quite dynamic enough Sacha Kljestan, M - Its just the Belgian League...Its just the Belgian League...but he's doing so well. Mix wins the creative box-to-box guy spot...but Sacha could see the final 23 very easily, it does say a lot that he wasn't called in for Mexico even with all the other moves JK made John Anthony Brooks, D - I fear we have another Timmy Chandler...and now he's hurt...blood him some more in November and January and get him ready for 2018 Jose Torres, M - Buried behind a lot of more talented guys both wide left and center. Torres national team career may be done for this round. Michael Orozco Fiscal, D - Horrible game at RB, I'm sorry I suggested it...but he does play there regularly and we have major RB questions...this is your last chance Terrence Boyd, F - I get the feeling more and more every day, that its just not this time around. A January move to a better league will help him immensely, but I think he's too far out of it Maurice Edu, M - Needs to get healthy...needs to play...Beckerman keeps his job until that happens. Would like to see him move to Germany or MLS during the next window Timmy Chandler, D - Alright, you're playing consistently for your club, now get your butt across the Atlantic and win the RB job Chris Wondolowski, F - He will be lucky to still be in the picture come January Edgar Castillo, D - Has faded from the picture since the Gold Cup...come to think of it, he didn't really factor there either Sean Johnson, G - I almost put Cody Cropper here. Johnson is still so error prone, but he is the lesser of many evils. I'm ready for Cropper or Zac MacMath, but Johnson isn't winning the 3rd string keeper job anytime soon. Mark it down, September 10, 2013 and the US Men's National Team is on easy street. With 9 months to play till the 2014 World Cup the US has locked down a spot and can spend the rest of their time sifting through hundreds of players to find the ideal 23 man roster to take to the World's biggest stage.
Coach Klinsmann has already said that he fully intends to treat the final two World Cup Qualifiers like any other game, and for the most part he is right to do so since it is so infrequent that these players get a chance to play together. I think however it is foolish to think that we are going to see the same 23 we have seen for the last couple of qualifiers. Lets take a look at the key areas of focus for the Jamaica & Panama games
I would be lying if I said I didn't want to rest key players/world cup locks like Altidore, Dempsey, Bradley, etc. But I also think we need to keep our foot on the gas. Two more wins would be huge for this team moving forward. Anyway you slice it, these games should be fun to watch, I get the feeling like the Jamaica game may be a huge offensive output from the US especially if Altidore, Dempsey and Donovan are all on the field at the same time. P4TP |
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