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.