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USA announces roster for Mexico friendly

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Photo by Howard C. Smith/ISIphotos.com

By FRANCO PANIZO

Jurgen Klinsmann has made his first roster selections as U.S. men's national team head coach, and there are surprises aplenty.

DaMarcus Beasley, Ricardo Clark, Heath Pearce and Jose Torres were just some of the surprising inclusions named by Klinsmann for the U.S. team's friendly against Mexico on Aug. 10 in Philadelphia. Some of the more regular faces on the roster include Carlos Bocanegra, Landon Donovan and Tim Howard.

Here is the full 22-man U.S. roster:

GOALKEEPERS – Bill Hamid (D.C. United), Tim Howard (Everton).

DEFENDERS – Carlos Bocanegra (St. Etienne), Edgar Castillo (America), Timmy Chandler (FC Nuremberg), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96), Clarence Goodson (Brondby), Michael Orozco Fiscal (San Luis), Heath Pearce (Chivas USA), Tim Ream (New York Red Bulls).

MIDFIELDERS – Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Michael Bradley (Borussia Monchengladbach), Ricardo Clark (Eintracht Frankfurt), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Jermaine Jones (Schalke), Brek Shea (FC Dallas), Jose Torres (Pachuca).

FORWARDS – Freddy Adu (Benfica), Juan Agudelo (New York Red Bulls), DaMarcus Beasley (Puebla), Edson Buddle (Ingolstadt 04), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy).

Some of the more notable omissions are Jozy Altidore, Clint Dempsey, Benny Feilhaber, Brad Guzan and Jonathan Spector, though Klinsmann said previously that certain club circumstances would prevent some players from being called in.

Klinsmann did summon a pair of defenders who have not represented the United States in a couple of years in Edgar Castillo and Michael Orozco Fiscal. Brek Shea and Kyle Beckerman were the only two MLS-based midfielders called in.

In total, seven players called in are from MLS, four ply their trade in Mexico and the rest play in Europe.

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What do you think of the roster? Whose inclusion are you most surprised by? Who would you have like to seen on the team?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. After seeing the friendly vs. Mexico last night I have to say I’m liking what I’m seeing. The game started out a bit rough but changes were made and the second half was a completely different game.

    I wasn’t really surprised that Dempsey wasn’t there as the EPL starts up very shortly… why chance an injury in a friendly. On the other hand Altidore is a lazy bum and if he never had another cap for the US I wouldn’t be surprised. We can do much better up front… maybe even find strikers that don’t get shown up by their mids (anyone see world cup 2010… US strikers were pathetic)

    All of that said I’m very optimistic about this and wish the team, and Coach Klinsmann the best of luck. 🙂

    Reply
  2. I can already see a difference in his picks. I’m liking this guy. He knows what he is doing. He’s connecting with the elements that will bring America around in the soccer world.

    Reply
  3. I’m a youth coach who took my son to see the US MNT in person a couple months ago during Gold Cup play. Two US players clearly stood out: Tim Howard and Clint Dempsey. Landon’s play that day was rather pedestrian, with the exception of a good assist. We all know how Tim can and does shine in almost every tricky situation. And he did. But Clint’s prowess up close was a revelation to watch. His comprehensive ball mastery, cool head, and knack for field awareness were impressive. I’m shocked he’s not on the US v. Mexico roster. Maybe it’s schedule conflict? Hopefully. He’s a proven commodity with a nose for the goal and will to win.

    Reply
  4. He’s an excellent left footed assist leading midfielder that has proven himself over and over.

    He’s still at an age where he can be used for qualifying and the 2014 WC.

    Nevertheless, I still respect your opinion and you do make a valid point.

    Players that are left footed, great with the ball at their feet, can service the perfect assist, and have a deadly corner/free kick

    are what this team needs from its midfield.

    USA! USA! USA!

    Reply

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