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USMNT Daily Update: A closer look at what two summer rosters could look like

Photo by ISIPhotos.com

By IVES GALARCEP

About five months from now, U.S. Men’s National Team head coach Jurgen Klinsmann will have some serious decisions to make. A trio of World Cup qualifiers will be looming in June, a mini-tournament of sorts that will go a long way in determining how well the USMNT qualifying campaign is going. July will then bring the CONCACAF Gold Cup, a competition that will require an almost entirely different squad than the one he will use in qualifying.

Bob Bradley had a similar situation in 2009, when the U.S. had an extremely loaded summer that included qualifiers, the Confederations Cup and the Gold Cup. That year, Bradley put together what amounted to a B team to take part in the Gold Cup, a team that reached the final before being demolished by Mexico in the final. Two years before that, Bradley also built two teams to take part in the 2007 Gold Cup and Copa America, with the Copa America team providing some experience for a young, and ultimately overmatched team.

Klinsmann would love nothing more than to have a full-strength team for both qualifying and the Gold Cup, but that just isn’t realistic. There could be a few players who take part in both, but there aren’t likely to be any first-choice starters taking part in the Gold Cup. Why? Because European-based players need to take time off at some point in the summer before returning to pre-season with their clubs.

Just what kind of teams could we see when Klinsmann builds two USMNT rosters? Here is a look at what we could see this summer:

PROJECTED JUNE WORLD CUP QUALIFYING ROSTER

GK- Tim Howard, Brad Guzan, Nick Rimando

D- Steve Cherundolo, Michael Parkhurst, Carlos Bocanegra, Geoff Cameron, Clarence Goodson, Oguchi Onyewu, Timmy Chandler, Fabian Johnson

M- Michael Bradley, Jermaine Jones, Landon Donovan, Danny Williams, Graham Zusi, Sacha Kljestan, Mix Diskerud, Brek Shea

F- Clint Dempsey, Jozy Altidore, Eddie Johnson, Herculez Gomez, Juan Agudelo

PROJECTED 2013 USMNT GOLD CUP ROSTER

GK- Bill Hamid, Sean Johnson, Dan Kennedy

D- Omar Gonzalez, Matt Besler, Eric Lichaj, Edgar Castillo, A.J. Soares, Tim Ream, Steven Beitashour, Justin Morrow

M- Kyle Beckerman, Maurice Edu, Joe Corona, Jose Torres, Chris Pontius, Alejandro Bedoya, Josh Gatt, Joe Gyau

F- Terrence Boyd, C.J. Sapong, Chris Wondolowski, Will Bruin

——————

Players who could play their way into the conversation: Tally Hall, Jonathan Spector, Michael Orozco Fiscal, George John, Chance Myers, Zach Loyd, Kevin Alston, Austin Berry, Matt Hedges, John Anthony Brooks, Amobi Okugo, Luis Gil, Freddy Adu, Perry Kitchen, Nick DeLeon, Benny Feilhaber, Ricardo Clark, Dax McCarty, DaMarcus Beasley, Teal Bunbury, Jack McInerney

——————

Some thoughts:

Keep in mind that there could be some players who take part in both qualifying and the Gold Cup, particularly players who don’t play much in qualifying. Someone like Juan Agudelo makes sense as a two-roster option, as does Brek Shea if he winds up not seeing much time in qualifying. The same goes for Terrence Boyd. Someone like Michael Parkhurst could also join the Gold Cup squad if he doesn’t play in qualifying, which would give the Gold Cup roster some veteran leadership to go along with the likes of Beckerman and Wondolowski.

The rosters are based on Klinsmann’s established preferences as well as our own projections for where people will stand in the pecking order five months from now (when rosters would be expected to be put together).

Yes, Landon Donovan is still projecting on the team. We’ll take him off when he actually retires. As things stand, we aren’t ready to buy the idea that he won’t take part in qualifying.

I tried covering as many candidates as possible in the third grouping, but you will notice that list doesn’t include players like Seb Hines and Aron Johannsson. Until they actually take part in a camp we aren’t going to be including them in these sort of projections.

Chris Pontius has replaced Nick DeLeon on the Gold Cup roster. Forgot to add him to the Gold Cup squad after removing him as one of the final World Cup qualifying cuts.

Sacha Kljestan was a late addition to the World Cup qualifying roster, was accidentally left off the initial list. He hasn’t been someone who has regularly been called up, but is enjoying a great season with Anderlecht and is poised to be a factor this summer. Those who saw our latest World Cup 2014 roster projection should know that we definitely rate him and like the direction his level of play is heading.

——————

What do you think of these rosters?

Comments

  1. Here’s my 23:

    GK- Tim Howard, Brad Guzan, Bill Hamid

    D- Timmy Chandler, Fabian Johnson, Geoff Cameron, Steve Cherundolo, Carlos Bocanegra, Omar Gonzalez, Eric Lichaj, , & Maurice Edu

    M- Michael Bradley, Landon Donovan, Danny Williams, Freddy Adu, Graham Zusi, Benny Feilhaber, & Joe Corona

    F- Clint Dempsey, Herculez Gomez, Jozy Altidore, Eddie Johnson, & Juan Agudelo

    Reply
  2. I see Edgar Castillo is on the projected team for the Gold Cup roster. He was the starting left back for Tijuana who won the Liga MX championship this year. My understanding is that their defense was pretty good i.e. they are reported to have 21 clean sheets in 50 games under their current coach. However I did not get to watch him play much at all. I would be interested in any comments from those who did. From his performance for Liga MX though, it would seem that he may have a case for being the backup left back for the USMNT behind Fabian Johnson. Any thoughts?

    Reply
  3. I swear I am going to lose it if someone mentions Stu Holden one more time. The young man has had two surgeries and barely seen the field in two years. He has ALOT to prove to be even a consideration for a sub at this point.

    Reply
    • I think the nation likes Stu Holden but it will be ambitious to think that he will be 100% fit by summer. Bolton has been supportive of Stu and might have something to say about his playing for USMNT.

      Reply
  4. At this point I’m surprised Klinsmann doesn’t just start: Howard; Cherundolo, Cameron, Gonzalez, Johnson; Bradley, Jones; Corona, Dempsey; Agudelo, Boyd. I think Feilhaber and Adu should start too with Jones playing back at center back, but Klinsmann has seen all of the guys I listed above in plenty of games. All of these guys have played for Klinsmann and done well except for Gonzalez, but Klinsmann can’t play Bocanegra or Goodson anymore:

    Howard
    Cherundolo Cameron Gonzalez Johnson
    Bradley Jones
    Dempsey Corona
    Agudelo Boyd

    Reply
  5. Wouldn’t it make more sense to have vets (Beckerman, Edu, Ream, Torres, etc) be the subs for WCQ as they won’t be needed to often if at all and let the youngsters ( Mixx, Chandler, Agudelo, Gatt) start for the Gold Cup Team. Wouldn’t it be better for the younger players to start and play big minutes for a whole tourney then do a camp and play maybe 15 minutes in a WCQ?

    Reply
  6. Just noticed…no Stuart Holden anywhere? I don’t want to be THAT guy, but I think he’d have a shot at Gold Cup if he has a solid second half of the season with Bolton. Especially given his experience at major tournaments and his positive attitude. I feel like him and JK have the same outlook on a lot of things.

    Reply
    • If Holden returns to form, then yes, he’ll be in the picture, but until he sees a single minute of playing time I just don’t think we should be including him in projections. I’ve said for some time now that we just need to let him recover and make his way back. WHEN he is ready, we’ll know, and then he’ll be included in every projection.

      Reply
  7. josh, dont you think donovan was instrumental in the galaxy winning two MLS titles, in a row? josh, we are all sinners, you are just being a little cynical too.

    Reply
  8. Ives,

    * I like the fact that you took the chance and put Soares on the projected GC roster, ahead of other possible choices that play overseas. He plays for a mediocre Revolution team, but we was one of their better players this year, and is a solid defender whose improved year over year. I agree with you that he has a legitimate shot at making the roster, and I hope he gets a call for the January camp.
    * I’m hoping for a breakout spring for Stu Holden. I can possibly see him playing at full fitness by the spring, and agreeing to training and playing with the GC team. I recall it was the GC a few years back that gave him the exposure to be recruited to play overseas. He would bring a stabilizing influence to the GC team, and benefit from additional training and playing time.
    * I agree with you in putting Onyewu on the projected 1st team roster. I was skeptical a few months back, but he is holding his own for a very good and stacked Malaga team, and has played well when given the opportunity. He has performed well for the WCQ team in the past, and matches up well against certain opponents we will face. I wouldn’t risk bringing in an inexperienced player to fill that spot.
    * I would also consider Edu for either roster – assuming he goes out on loan this spring. It’s obvious he made an ill-advised move in joining Stoke in hindsight, but other players have been in that situation before, and benefited from a loan or transfer. I think a player that can help out at DM or on the back line in a pinch is valuable to either team.
    * I’ll withhold an opinion on Eddie Johnson until later in the spring. I’ve always found him to be consistently inconsistent. In years past, he’s performed well for the US, and then dramatically tailed off. I think the fact that he has some competition for a roster spot will be a motivating factor.

    Reply
  9. IF Donovan doesn’t “retire” from the USMNT, I still don’t see him on the WCQ roster. He just hasn’t been there for us, hasn’t performed when he has been there, and as evident in the MLS final, he isn’t close to where he’s been. I think Zusi has now surpassed him, and it’s Zusi’s position to lose now.

    Call me a sinner, but I’d rather see Donovan’s slot on the WCQ roster go to Gatt or Corona. Corona has been there, riding the bench like a professional, for quite a number of games. He started, was instrumental in his team winning the Mexican Championship, and plays a position we need. Gatt, while extremely rough, can be a difference maker with 10 minutes left in the game and an opposition’s defense tired.

    Donovan can still earn his way into the squad, but I think Klinsi has soured to him and rightfully so. Donovan needs to man up, dig deep, and earn back a slot on the national team. Based on his recent comments, I just don’t see him doing it.

    Reply
  10. If Lletget starts getting some run for West Ham, what’s the chance he gets some legitimate consideration for Gold Cup. I’d rather see a young player get some experience then the same vets who have fallen out of favor.

    Reply
    • He hasn’t gotten a pro first-team minute yet. Just don’t see how he’s going to work his way into the conversation in five minutes time. I mean hey, if he somehow goes from unused sub/youth player to regular starter then maybe he could, but that’s such a leap to take at this point. Just don’t see it happening.

      Reply
  11. I think we will see a Gonzo-Cameron pairing by June.

    In addition, I think Beckerman and Rimando could make both rosters as JK pointed them out as “team” players etc.

    Also, who are the new players to crack the “A” team in 2013? Remember when Altidore, Davies, and later Holden all played their way onto the “A” team in 2009? Who will be those types of players in 2013?

    Reply
    • I expect Gonzo to be called in January and if he plays solidly in the friendlies to be on the XI when they start counting. The CB spot is that open.

      The irony is that Gonzo was basically in this spot last winter.

      Reply
  12. At this point, I don’t see Goodson being on the WCQ rosters. Onyewu is questionable, depends whether he is playing regularly (and well) at Malaga. I think we will see Edgar Castillo on the WCQ rostersd, assuming he continues playing as well next spring as he played the past few months.

    As for Geoff Cameron, he is now the regular starting right back for Stoke and he looked good yesterday against Liverpool. If he continues playing at right back this is going to pose a dilemma for Klinsmann: Whether to play Cameron out-of-club-position at center back for the USMNT. It’s easy to say, sure, keep him at center back. But with each game Cameron plays at right back in the Premier League for Stoke, which is now becoming a formidable team, then it is inevitable that Cameron will not stay as sharp as a center back. I’m not saying he can’t do it, but I think at some point it could become an issue for Klinsmann.

    As for midfielders, I don’t see Brek Shea getting called until he picks up his game. I also am not sure about Danny Williams, Kljestan and Diskerud. Depending on club form, Beckerman and Edu still might be better options, as well as Corona. Plus, I have not yet given up hope that Jose Torres can get it together. But, I admit, I am close to giving up. Next spring will probably be his last chance to put up give up.

    And forwards, I don’t see Juan Agudelo being called before Terrence Boyd unless Agudelo starts playing regularly and well at club level. For me Jozy is the big question mark. Will Klinsmann give him another shot or not?

    Reply
    • As for the Jozy question, I think his Russia call-up answers that. JK was impressed with Jozy’s performance, and coupled with his impressive club performance I have little doubt about his inclusion.

      Reply
  13. Hopefully another CB will emerge as an option for the June qualifiers. Looking at the back line options (Goodson, Boca, Parkhurst and Gooch!?) I realize those are the logical choices until someone steps up, but they just don’t inspire a lot of confidence. I’d rather see Parkhurst, Gooch and Goodson lend some experience to the GC roster. I’d also like to see Corona and Gatt on the qualifier roster and Kljesten and Shea on the GC roster. I think we see JK bring in Gordon again to provide a physical box presence for the qualifiers.

    Reply
  14. What about Sebastián Lletget? I know he hasn’t gotten playing time but I think he would be at least a good name to add to group three.

    Reply
    • I’d like to see him in the Gold Cup roster, and knowing Klinsi’s emphasis on youth, I think you have a good chance of it IF he can get at least a little playing time. I’m hoping he gets loaned to the Championship in January.

      Reply
    • To the extent the Gold Cup is looking for players to play this cycle, or blooding players of demonstrated promise, I don’t think Lletget fits either criteria. He got cut from the U23s and sits the bench in England. He’s not ready for the senior team this cycle, and he’s not even a player of more than paper potential to the extent you’re looking at prospects.

      Reply
      • If I’m not mistaken, Lletget only got cut because of his illness which caused him to miss a big chunk of playing time which meant he needed time to ramp back up. Based on him riding the bench at an EPL club, he seems to be back to form.

        Again, I hope he gets loaned out so we can see what he’s made of. But coming from West Ham, they know how to develop players as well as United.

      • Lletget has 13 “developmental squad” WHU appearances and no first team appearances I can find. He does have a first team jersey number, but it’s 43, which hints at something in and of itself in terms of this year’s plans. I thought the illness was a U20 rather than U23 issue, and at a certain point when it’s like, well, he’s on a reserve team, he was ticketed for big things but got ill, he doesn’t play for the first team but sometimes dresses, we’re talking about nothing more than potential here. He doesn’t really have much of a CV then which means you’re taking a flyer.

        I’m not saying he’s hopeless, Holden had a similar CV when he got hurt twice with Sunderland, played in their reserves. But his way out of the box was to go to Houston and get PT. At that point he was a demonstrated something worth calling in. [Then he got hurt again and we’re back in the same status of theorizing of what could be instead of objectively watching someone play….]

      • He’s a 20 year old possession-type central midfielder and you’re throwing him into the bin because of one illness? How many other 20 year old players are on the West Ham bench? How many are on the bench at any PL team?

        I said I only wanted to see him play if he gets loaned out and earns games. It’s obvious he isn’t good enough to break the starting XI. But at 20, he isn’t really meant to. He’s bounced back from his illness (note: not an injury) and is progressing well. The next step is a loan move.

        I’d rather have a 20 year old in the world class WH academy than in MLS.

      • Lets not forget Boyd got called in while he was playing for the Dortmund reserves so there’s precedent. If Lletget was on Real Salt Lake and Gil was at West Ham, the situation would be different. Lletget most likely would have alot of first team action and Gil wouldn’t have any. Its much tougher to break through a top league in Europe.

      • Boyd was/is a big physical striker. Lletget is allegedly some kind of creative midfielder.

        In terms of the demands on the position, making that kind of jump is a little easier on Boyd as opposed to Lletget.

  15. I like everyone you said except for De leon (bc we always hype the ROY despite a lot of them having success in the national team but enough is enough with that..you had CJ being a natl team contender and where is he now?) also, Jack Mcinerney, not even close to National Team Contention despite his experience w the youth.

    Reply
    • Sapong is just 24 (turned 24 today). Are you suggesting his national team career is over already? He led KC in scoring in what was widely regarded as a somewhat disappointing year for him. Not sure I’m getting how your “Where is he now?” comment makes any sense. As for McInerney, I’m not saying the guy is national team ready, but if he has a first half of 2013 that is as good as his second half of 2012, he will play his way into the conversation.

      Reply
    • DeLeon’s playoff play suggested to me he has the ability to ramp up in intensity and play the physical style of international ball.

      Reply
  16. I am really surprised there is no love for Eddie Gaven, he is never the flashiest player, but he is also never a liability on any team he has been on. He never really tires, hes a very good team player, and has quality

    Reply
    • He was supposed to be on the last Gold Cup roster, the one that matters, but declined because he wanted to spend time with his baby. MLB players miss like zero games to maybe a weekend when their wives give birth, and they play 162 games a season. If that’s the value he places on the US national team and the Gold Cup, “go home and be a family man” Eddie. We’ll be fine without him.

      Reply
      • Yves,

        Guzan declined an invite for the 2011 Gold Cup for the lame reason that he was getting married. And I remember Dempsey and Donovan both missing an important USMNT practice for the stupid reason that they had to attend relative’s weddings.

        You’re right, nothing is more important than the USMNT. Those guys
        should never have been allowed back on the team ever.

        I’m sure the US would have been just fine with Perkins, Pause and Arnaud or Quaranta as replacements.

  17. Zack Whitbread is starting at Leister City and has the passing ability that Jurgen loves in center backs. He’s in much better form than Ream. That being said, he has to stay healthy.

    Reply
    • That’s the big if with Whitbread. “If he can stay healthy.” If he finishes the year out healthy, he has to be considered. I agree about Ream, but Klinsmann rates him as well, and has mentioned him at times so he’s still on his radar.

      Reply
      • Ives,

        Much is made of the battery of fitness tests USMNT players undergo and how in depth and detailed these are.

        Do you know if they have ever had the chance to test Whitbread?

        It seems to me this would give them great insight into how likely he is to hold up to the USMNT’s demands and maybe give him clues on how to improve his durability.

      • Ream cannot defend and is a Spectoresque back with a composure sales pitch, who made the MLS worst 5 gaffes with 2 entries where he handed away goals with wayward passes his last season. If he wasn’t at Bolton I don’t think he’d be in the mix, and the irony is Bolton thought they were getting a NT stud player. So the argument is almost circular…he should be on the team because he plays for Bolton, who grabbed him because they thought he was worthy of our team and could get a work permit….

    • Much better form than Ream = damning with faint praise… you can say that about 30 US CBs and I wouldn’t want to rely on 26 of them.

      Reply
    • I’d like to see Whitbread if anything because I can’t imagine he’s any worse or more injury prone than the players we’re already considering. Beggars can’t be choosers and Gonzo just missed a whole chunk of games for a knee….so Whitbread can’t be called because he’s occasionally been hurt himself?

      Reply
      • “Whitbread can’t be called because he’s occasionally been hurt himself?”

        When he was playing well enough with Norwich to draw attention every time he got called up he came up lame or was kept back by Norwich because he was recovering.

        Then he got released by Norwich took a while to get back into playing well enough to draw attention.

        Zak has very bad timing.

  18. pretty good picks. of course with injuries etc. we will see a few changes but its great that we so much depth these days.

    I would only switch goodson for gonzalez and I wouldn’t bring anyone to two camps. There are so many players on the Gold Cup roster that need PT (Gatt, Boyd, Corona) and a lot of other players who need to limit there time away from their club teams (Gonzalez, Shea, Zusi) but also would benefit from playing with the full team.

    Qual:
    —–Altidore—-Dempsey—-Gomez——
    ———-Bradley(c)—Donovan————
    ——————-Jones———————
    Johnson–Bocanegra-Cameron–Chandler
    ——————-Howard——————-
    subs: EJ, Mix, Zusi, Williams, Gonzalez, Dolo, Guzan
    reserves: Agudelo, Shea, Parkhurst, Onyewu, Rimando

    Gold Cup:
    —–Bedoya—–Boyd————-Gatt—-
    ————Corona—-Torres—————-
    ———————Edu(c)——————-
    Castillo—Besler——–Goodson—Lichaj
    ——————-Hamid——————–
    subs: Wondo, Pontius, Gyau, Beckerman, Ream, Beithashour, Johnson
    reserves: Bruin, Sapong, Soares, Morrow, Kennedy

    Reply
    • I would think Shea would get as many reps as possible, so probably he is going to play LM in the GC and for that matter same thing with Mix at CM. This GC roster is starting to resemble a U23 roster.

      Reply
    • 4-3-3 is very appealing in the long run, but I’m not sure any of our forwards have the experience/track record to carry the team through the World Cup in that system. Our best players are still Dempsey, Bradley, and Stu Holden if he can recover his form. Our wings are also very strong. I would play a 4 4 2 with a diamond midfield, allowing the flanks (Johnson, Chandler) to move up freely. At the same time, I would love to eventually see a 4-3-3 – w/pressing/athletic soccer. We are closer, but are we good enough to play it now? Here is a lineup:

      Altidore Gomez (Johnson, Boyd)

      Dempsey
      Bradley Holden or Jones

      Jones or Williams

      Johnson Cameron Gonzales or Edu Chandler

      Reply
    • How is it that you have Edu has the holding mid and Captain when he cant even get a min at Stoke? What player is going to respect that a capt doesnt play a single min yet can be a capt of anything?

      Reply
    • I put him on one January camp list that I can recall. I think there’s a deep list of left backs and he’s on the fringes of it. Nothing has changed really. He’s just in that second batch of guys, along with someone like Justin Morrow.

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      • wow. What a difference 4 years will make. Having grown up in the Bornstein era, I can’t believe that we are using the words “deep” and “left back position” in the same sentence.

      • jeb, thats exactly what i was thinking. it looks like we have a good group of players coming up on the wings at every level of our 4-3-3, i think bradley will be our CM until at least 2018 if not 2022. we need a stiker and 2 centerbacks to develop from the list above and we will begin to look like a top 10 team.

  19. I can see Adu and Feilhaber both playing their way into Gold Cup consideration. Especially given their contributions to past versions.

    Reply
    • I’ve said this before, yes Benny no Freddy. Benny has a loss of form but can make the 23 on form. Adu is a waste of time because he’s a flawed player who can’t make the 23. Better off trying other people who’ve not had the chance.

      Reply
      • You mean the argument that I might be able to trust someone who scored the winning goal in the gold cup, made the WC roster, and played in South Africa; but maybe couldn’t trust someone cut from the same team who doesn’t seem to have made the junior-senior leap, or to have ever done anything to actually help an A senior team win a big game? Shocking arguments, those.

      • Who got us to the the last gold cup final? who was on the pitch when it was 0-0 in the 66th min of the game. Who was subbed into the game at that 67th min? Who lighted a spark in the team and eventually turned the game around in the 76th? Who again made an amazing play to hold the ball pass it to a “what do i do with it now” MB and he passes it again instead of making it 2-0? Name him? Who was the Capt of the 23-U squad who yes failed to qualify but please show how Adu’s leadership and skills played any part of that. Ironic that when he was subbed off min they scored the goal they so desperately tried to score while he was in…hmm interesting. Back to the gold cup, what player did mexican and many english analyst praise for his excellent performance doing the gold cup? Need a hint? Thought so.

      • The thing with Adu is that he played for Benfica and nothing that anyone says changes that. Anyone can go on the internet and watch his highlights there, so no matter how little he played there, there is still the video evidence of him scoring and setting up goals for Benfica. That ends any questioning of Adu’s skill especially since this is the United States where we don’t have many if any other players of his level.

        I’ve never seen Adu play poorly for the United States. Even going back to when he was 18 in 2007, he didn’t have any problems playing against Argentina and Spain.

        Hugo Sanchez gave Adu a rave review in the Gold Cup Final in 2011. Until the US gets players that can play like Adu plays, there’s no reason to criticize Adu. Adu is the only player in the entire player pool that can actually take world-class defenders off the dribble and really put them on their heels. Dempsey is fantastic, but Dempsey is never going to really attack and pass a defender like Adu.

        It seems like a waste to not use someone like Adu unless there is a track record of him playing poorly for the USMNT, and the reality is the opposite.

      • Al & Mr. Reese,

        No one denies Adu has useful talent.

        The debate is whether his positives are worth his negatives.

        Positives: Offensive catalyst, good dead ball artist
        Negatives: Questionable fitness (almost never goes 90 or even close), questionable defensive contributions

        Freddy has 17 caps. He has 2 goals for the US. He almost never goes 90 minutes for the US.

        Contrary to what people think Bradley gave him a long look with 9 appearances in 2008 and then 3 appearances in 2009. He brought him to both the Confederations Cup and the Gold Cup even though he had played very little for Monaco that season. Maybe that was preferable to letting him rot in the reserves at Monaco.
        In 2008 the US went 4-3-2 in games he appeared in (that included 2 games against Barbados and 1 against Cuba where the combined score was 15- 1 for the US).

        In 2009 the US went 2-1 with Freddy. The two wins were in that year’s Gold Cup and the loss was to Costa Rica in WC Qualifying.

        In 2011 he appeared in the Gold Cup, the Panama win and the Final loss.

        I don’t know why Bradley didn’t take Adu to the World Cup but my guess is Adu’s inability to go 90 effectively meant he was best used as an offensive sub. And Freddy is not a goal scorer per se. It is better if your second half sub is a goal scorer ( like Herc who did go to the WC) not the guy who provides the assist. This is especially true for a US team short on reliable finishers.

        I saw many of his US games and while he had a number of moments, I didn’t think Freddy was consistent enough to warrant risking him as a luxury player on a 23 man WC roster. And the Panama Gold Cup win is the only game where I thought he gave a clutch performance leading to a big win.
        Flashy play without end product is a waste. He may have helped get the US to the Gold Cup but he couldn’t help them win it. Freddy helped them go up 2-0 in the final but he was also on the field when they came back with 4 goals.

        JK has made it clear that fitness and two way play is a big deal to him. If you look at Freddy’s time wth the senior USMNT , not the various Under whatever teams, combined with his club play, Freddy just doesn’t seem like JK’s kind of player.

      • Adu has the talent to start for USMNT. However, he’s not Klinnsmann’s type of player so I don’t even see him getting a call up. If Bradley were still the coach I believe Adu would get calls.

    • That’s a good shout. Not sure he’ll make it, but if he has another good year he has to be on the radar, especially given the relative lack of wing options in the pool.

      Reply
    • No, because he had an injury at the end of the MLS season and won’t be fully healthy and fit in time. Unfortunately I don’t think he is expected to be recovered until MLS preseason.

      Reply
      • He only has to be ready in June or July, whenever it is. But we have so much talent I think he’d have to be dominant, ie, what his rep was as a youth player.

  20. I’m waiting with bated breath to see Stu Holden return to fitness. I understand why he’s not on either of the lists, but I think it’s conceivable that he work his way into the reckoning for one of the two squads above.

    Reply
    • Leaving the health and fitness questions aside fans are forgetting a few other things in their desire to see the “old Stu Holden” back in the fold.

      His old sidekick Muamba is retired and Bolton is not as good a team as they were when Stu was dominant.

      They are not promotion contenders at 10 points clear from the bottom and even with 22 games left look more likely for a midtable finish or worse, than a promotion push.
      Stu was great but he was also lucky in finding a team that was all set up to take advantage of what he does best. Everyone wants him to do well but everyone should also realize that it may take him a while to get back to his old self, if he can.

      Reply
      • +1, these are really good points.

        in the epl, stu wasn’t with a good team, but he was with a team that was perfect for him, and he made them decent. hopefully, he looks as good when he comes back.

    • I think it’s a massive leap from IR/ reserve play to penciling him in the senior national 23. Particularly since he has had some false starts and is now with a Championship team I think he’s in a “prove it” position.

      Reply
  21. Great picks Ives…I think Omar Gonzales will work his way in over Goodson, otherwise I think you’re spot on. This may be wishful thinking (as always) but what about Holden getting fit in time to be on the Gold Cup roster?

    Reply
    • +1, that was my only change. The qualifying roster looks old in the cb position (no surprise) and Omar is ready for the chance. Goodson, Gooch and Bocanegra might all be playing at a level above him, but by the middle of the summer we should have our projected World Cup defense in the works.

      Reply
      • Gonzalez overtakes Goodson as soon as he puts on the national team jersey and makes it through a full game. Overtaking Goodson doesn’t require much, that guy is a disaster waiting to happen, both with the national team and in Denmark. I do not want a CB that would get outmuscled by my grandmother.

  22. Klinsmann’s refusal to start Boyd with Agudelo with a playmaker behind them is truly alarming. The rosters in the articles are predictions of what Klinsmann would do, and what Klinsmann has done is disturbing for anyone with an advanced knowledge of the game. The continued use of Danny Williams, Graham Zusi, Carlos Bocanegra, and Clarence Goodson by someone of Klinsmann’s playing resume makes no sense. All of these players were publicly undressed by team’s like Italy and France except for Zusi who hasn’t play against any of the big boys yet.

    Reply
    • So no experience up top, players like Zusi who tear up MLS are awful when players like Agudelo who struggled should start? Right, where ever you got you “Advanced Soccer Knowledge” Certificate from should have their accreditation revoked

      Reply
      • Terrence Boyd has played well against Italy, Brazil, Mexico, etc, so that’s plenty of proof that Boyd can be effective against top level national teams. Juan Agudelo was subbed in against Russia, and he played like he had been playing against strong international competition for a while…and he has. Agudelo and Boyd have never performed poorly for the USMNT. Thinking that someone like Zusi who is basically just a fundamentally sound soccer player can play at the speed and level of high-level international soccer shows total ignorance. Boyd’s and Agudelo’s skill level at the international level is proven by an abundance of video evidence.

      • So you are you saying that we should start Boyd and Agudelo based on a couple of 10 min. cameos? That’s a pretty ridiculous statement, although I do agree with you that Zusi is nothing more then a band aid. I don’t think he has the skill to be truly effective against stiffer opposition.

      • I think they should. Boyd & Agudelo have played more than that, but I’d primarily like to see someone that can play final balls behind whoever starts at striker. I think Corona, Adu, Diskerud, & Feilhaber should play a greater role but only like 50% of people agree with that

  23. For what it is worth I would go with Gonzo over Goodson in WCQ for same reason you take Aguedelo to them. Give him the ability to fully work with the vets and then let him play in the Gold Cup to see if he fits.

    Now that Corona is cap tied will it be a while before we see him at the top level?

    Reply
    • Never going to happen and none of our players no how to play in it. Why would we want three center backs when that is one of our weakest spots?

      Reply
      • Onyewu played it, I think with Twente(?), but to answer your question, because people like to feel smart by suggesting “innovative” and “out of the box” things that they know nothing about.

  24. I see very little chance of Klinnsmann choosing Agudelo for qualifying over Boyd. Agudelo barely got called for USMNT and had a terrible club year. Boyd has received many calls for USMNT and has had a very good club year.

    Reply
    • Viewed from a tactical perspective if Altidore doesn’t start (and every indication is Klinsi is done with that) then there is no need for a similar big player to join him on the bench. You would need a speed option to sub for a speed forward. I don’t know about Agudelo — maybe it will be some other speedy, shifty forward — but I think I do know it won’t be Boyd.

      Reply
  25. I’ve got to think George John is at least in the conversation for Gold Cup if he’s healthy through the beginning of the season.

    I understand he’s lost some capital with the good people of the internet when he didn’t improve on (or maintain) his great 2010-11 form, but a healthy John isn’t getting wildly outclassed by any of the other JV candidates.

    Reply
    • Fair point. He’s been added to the “in consideration” list. I knew I would wind up leaving some names off as I was juggling back and forth between rosters, and moving people around, but John is just one who I think lost some ground in 2012. He really didn’t have a great year, and yes, injuries played a part there. He’ll have some time to turn things around when the MLS season begins, but I do think he’s lost ground in the centerback depth chart.

      Reply
  26. For WCQ, I’d love to see Lichaj and Gonzalez instead of Parkhurst and Onyewu (unlikely, I know), and Boyd instead of Agudelo.

    Also, Brooks on the Gold Cup squad. The GC is cap-tying, right? I recall Chandler claiming to need rest prior to the last one.

    Reply
      • Didn’t catch that one, unfortunately, but I’ve seen some of Ives’s previous commentary regarding JAB.

        JK clearly (and understandably) has a great deal of respect for the technical ability of players in the Bundesliga (or 2.B). This guy has a mix of size, technical ability, and exposure to top competition that we don’t get often in our talent pool. Plus he plays at our biggest position of need. This is all just my humble opinion, of course.

      • Wouldn’t say “not a big fan.” I would say not as big a fan as some. The kid has ability, and potential, but from what I’ve heard he simply isn’t ready yet for the national team jump. Could he get a camp invite at some point in the year to get him acclimated and steer him toward the USMNT? Sure. Do I think starting in Bundesliga 2 means you’re ready to be a national team defender? Not really. Bright future, but still a few years away for my money.

      • Plus, there is also the U20 tournament that he is suppose to be going. So I’m not sure if he would be available for the GC.

      • Assuming the USMNT makes it, and assuming Brooks doesn’t pull a Chandler and decide he doesn’t want to commit just yet.

      • Brooks is a CB, our weakest position, he starts regularly for a Bundesliga 2 team that hasn’t lost in 17 straight games and is almost certainly going to be moving up to the Bundesliga next year, at which time guys like Fabian Johnson, Danny Williams, and Michael Parkhurst may be playing a level below him. Gyau who barely plays for St. Pauli got called in vs Russia. Buddle who didn’t to jack with Ingolstadt (or Galaxy once he returned to MLS) got called in vs Slovenia. Rico Clark failed at Frankfurt AND Stabaek and was in last Jan Camp and is on your roster for this one. Heck Alfredo Morales was called into camp and almost made the roster for that five game stretch (Scotland, Canada, etc.) and he doesn’t even make the 18 for Hertha Berlin while Brooks is now a sure starter for them.
        Brooks has the option to play for Germany, and has been called into a few U-20 camps with them recently. Who knows what the future holds, maybe he will be a total bust and never be national team material. But why take that chance? He should be on either a WCQ roster or the Gold Cup roster, so that he is cap tied. Any U20 tournament considerations should be secondary to cap tying him. After that, never call him in again if he doesn’t cut it, but at least you CAN call him in if he does. Unlike Neven Subotic…

      • Calling him to cap-tie him makes plenty of sense. My point is that I just don’t think he’s ready yet to be consider someone who’s going to challenge for minutes. Put him on the Gold Cup roster? Sure, I can see that, but I’m not as sure about bringing him in to that three-qualifier stretch, where almost every player called in could be asked to play a part in an important match. Cap-tying a centerback is a far riskier proposition than cap-tying a forward or attacking midfielder. Put in an inexperienced centerback in a key qualifier and you run serious risk of that player costing you precious points. Now, if there were a blowout you could put him in, then that would be something (like Onyewu in the Cuba game eight years ago), but I’m not so sure there’s going to be that kind of opportunity.

        We also should consider that Brooks might not be so willing to let himself be cap-tied as an afterthought, with no real assurances of playing a key role going forward. Call me skeptical but when you consider that he’s just four months removed from attending a German U-20 camp I really don’t think we can assume anything about his ultimate national team intentions (if we have learned anything in the past, it’s that talk is cheap in that regard.)

        It’s funny how some want to act like I A) have something against Brooks or B) think he’s a bad player. Neither is true. I think he’s a very promising prospect, I just don’t think he’s as close to being USMNT ready as some folks seem to think. Could that opinion change? Sure, but right now I think some people are a little overboard when it comes to Brooks, and I’m definitely not alone in feeling that way.

      • When we are talking Hex I don’t think we care one bit about cap-tying until it’s clinched. Every man we dress needs to either be a starter or serve a trustworthy tactical purpose. You don’t call people in to fill a spot — particularly back, which is less often subbed — just so you can cap tie.

        If we call in people to look at them or cap tie, it will be Gold Cup, where the stakes are lowered and our goals more various.

      • If you don’t believe me just look at Chandler and Russia. We all know he got called in before they started counting so that the loyalty test and tire-kicking came outside of the context of a game that counts.

    • I agree on Lichaj and Gonzo, and I’m not sure Gooch will even be considered for the qualis after Antigua. If he can’t stop Byers, you really think Klinsi gives him a chance to mess us over against tougher teams? I don’t care how he plays for Malaga, and Klinsi has previously been dismissive of Jozy doing well at AZ if he thinks he won’t play well for the US. So I think he can separate the two.

      I am a Boyd fan but I anticipate him being left out for Altidore for the early qualifiers on an experience basis. Boyd has not produced when played such that he leapfrogs. Not saying he won’t score just saying he hasn’t. If he had, we might be talking a different story. I think Boyd will be given a Gold Cup run and if he produces and Jozy doesn’t, I think he might start stealing his callups.

      In terms of WCQs, Altidore and Boyd basically offer the same theoretical target bodies. I know Jozy is overrated at actually being a target, but if Klinsi intends to start two runner type forwards a la Dempsey and Gomez, with a target bench option, I don’t think he takes Jozy and Boyd, and as frustrating as Jozy is, he has some history and productivity at this level, and Boyd is nothing but a prospect so far.

      Reply
  27. As for players that could see the roster in both competitions, any particular reason JK would not start Guzan in the Gold Cup over Hamid or Johnson? I understand wanting to get those young guys minutes, but Guzan seems more ready now. Letting Hamid and Johnson know how far they have to go could pay off more in the long run, too. They still have a nasty habit of making some pretty glaring mistakes at times, and I think benching them for a guy who has “paid his dues” in MLS and the EPL sends a message that is not outside the realm of Jurgen’s head gaming. Also, giving Guzan a full or partial tournament in goal might leave him as a better backup for the WC, maybe even increase his potential for a summer transfer out of that mess at Villa.

    Reply
      • It’s not just physical rest. It’s also mental rest. Guzan is locked in as a starter at Villa, and will wind up playing probably more minutes this season than he has in years. I don’t think it’s a stretch to suggest that Klinsmann will look to get him a rest. I get that starting Gold Cup games would help Guzan, but he’s playing in the EPL, so big-game experience isn’t something he’s lacking. Johnson/Hamid on the other hand, could be benefit more from Gold Cup starts. That doesn’t mean I’d be stunned if Guzan joined the Gold Cup squad. I would be surprised though.

      • It’s great that Guzan is playing EPL regularly, but Guzan should start only because we need to see him with the national team more. It’s not 100% certain that Howard should be starting over Guzan at the World Cup, we need a plan B now, instead of waiting until it’s too late. That almost happened with Boca and Dolo after the last World Cup, and our CB situation is still up in the air because of it.

      • Bobb,

        Assuming Guzan maintains his form to the end of the season he will be challenging Howard for the #1 slot. My guess is JK will give Guzan some qualifiers.

        If that seems like throwing him in at the deep end, Guzan had been practicing with these players since at least 2009. He shut out Egypt back in the 2009 Confederations Cup game which was a very important shut out for him to get. So it’s not like he isn’t used to it and guys like Boca and Dolo don’t know to him.

        Keepers are different. Guzan spent years getting ready to perform and impress instantly under pressure; that is the life of a backup keeper.

        The level of competition in the Gold Cup would be less than what Guzan is facing in the EPL now and the US defenders he would be getting acquainted with would not be the starters anyway so there is no particular benefit for Guzan to play in the Gold Cup.

        A few starts in qualifiers with the first team will give Guzan time to sync up with the first team defense if there are any issues, which I doubt.

    • I think we might see a game or two from Guzan, but I think we need to sort out third spot more.

      I continue to believe that the U23 bunch showed so poorly that the rote promotion of them towards the 3rd keeper spot is foolhardy. To me they showed precisely why I should be looking at other people in the 20-30 range. And in the Dynamo playoff series Johnson did not look composed, looked jittery. If he can’t be composed in MLS playoffs or a home U23 tournament why should I be building around these people for our future?

      Reply
      • When was the last time a team used a third keeper? The third keeper is the perfect position for a Hamid or Johnson to maintain a high level and prepare themselves against better players. No need to waste it on a 30 year old.

      • Tally Hall is 27, has plenty of years left, has better stats than Johnson, and outplayed him in the playoffs.

        The key to me on at least Johnson is that if you watched the games and checked the stats, other than the U23 stamp on him, I don’t think he’d get picked objectively. Hamid, maybe a different story.

      • If you remember the oepning game with England in the 2010 World Cup, Howard took a challenge that could very easily have broken his ribs.

        Had that happened he probably would have been out of the World Cup, or at the very least have been impaired, leaving Guzan as the starter and Marcus as the backup.

        I would have been fine with that but not with Sean Johnson or Bill Hamid as the backup; two very raw keepers in a World Cup? No thanks.

        Getting down to the third keeper is very unusual but it could happen. The best rule I ever heard was that you have to assume all 23 players will play an important role at some point.

        The World Cup roster is no place for cheeerleaders.

      • Your “The World Cup roster is no place for cheerleaders” line is a good one, but none other than Jurgen Klinsmann basically put that notion on its had with his assertion that building a World Cup roster isn’t just about compiling the best 23 players, but rather building a community. He stressed how important it can be to have good team guys on the fringes rather than more selfish types who might have more talent. That isn’t to suggest that he might select someone who doesn’t have the talent to play in a World Cup, but I do take it to mean that he might go a bit lower on the depth chart than some based on a player’s personality and locker-room presence. That might not make such players full-blown cheerleaders, but it does mean we shouldn’t assume the 23-man roster is chosen strictly best on 23 most talented players.

      • Ives,

        You are correct but when JK said that at the now famous breakfast interviews, I believe he was referring to Oliver Kahn deferring to Lehmann.

        Well if Kahn is my #2 or #3 that is one hell of an insurance policy to have on your roster.

        And Rimando would seem to me to be a much better locker room presence, a giver as JK calls them, if I am to believe what I have read about him as opposed to either Johnson or Hamid who I admittedly know little about in terms of their personalities.

    • I believe the distinction between the 09′ and the 2013 Gold Cup rosters, is that next year’s roster is obviously more talented. For a projected Gold Cup roster it looks very good. I am sure national team fans remember that massacre at the hands of El Tri, it won’t happen the next time we face them in the Cup.

      Reply
    • Are talent pool is sooooo much better / deeper than it was four years ago.

      Imagine what it will be like when all those youngsters with European youth teams start breaking in and the MLS academy – reserve league / USL thing has been rolling for a few years….

      Reply
      • Really? The reserves? The implication that people who can’t even make a MLS roster will soon help the US is almost self-refuting from a present day perspective. If you have to be dropped to the minors to get PT you won’t be helping the US this year.

        Now, a player given some reserve time who feeds back into MLS and works his way to playing time there, might be good in 3-5 years where maybe he works back into the US pool. But that’s like horizon-away thinking. Long term, a serious youth effort in the MLS academies backstopped by a reserve bridge to MLS, is what is necessary to improve the “throughput.” Cause if you look at the pool, it’s still a mix of collegians who got their PT, and youth NT studs who went pro.

        I actually think we are plateauing because Bradenton has gone from a burst of new players a la Donovan to merely a recognized cog in a pipeline. The system outside that has not noticeably improved. College remains college and many of the academy teams are no better than traditional club systems. The only thing keeping the machine humming right now is Klinsi’s “scouting” of US nationals developed elsewhere, eg, Germany, England, Mexico, Japan.

      • Players may not make MLS rosters because they are too young or just not ready? Whether it’s Pfeffer/McBean types or Chris Wondolowski, what point are you trying to make?
        And who said anything about helping the US “this year”? If anything my comment was about how depth will improve further in the future…

      • I think the point being made is that a functional reserve system that gives young players out of the academy a lot of professional minutes–as opposed to few college minutes–will further deepen and broaden our talent pool. Many people think this is where our system’s current failure is. If we had it in place years ago, Juan Agudelo, Omar Salgado, etc., would have a lot more professional games under their belts, one would argue. I don’t think the point is that Cam Weaver would be tearing up World Cup Qualifying if only he were getting more reserve games.

  28. I think this busy summer will be great for the USMNT. That gold cup roster has some exciting young prospects as well as some veteran fringe guys. That ’07 Copa America provided a great opportunity for guys like Feilhaber, Demerit and Gomez.

    Reply
    • “That ’07 Copa America provided a great opportunity for guys like Feilhaber, Demerit and Gomez.” And Charlie Davies.

      You may have forgotten that Bradley was savagely criticised for sending that watered down roster to Copa.

      Reply
      • If I recall correctly, JK participated in the criticism at the time declaring he would always bring a full squad and not waste such opportunities. That was back when he was under consideration to take over the first time. I thought it was a naive statement but am surprised it hasn’t been revisited. Perhaps I’m not remembering correctly.

      • feilhaber is a great example of why you dont have players playing two tournaments in the same summer. BF played the gold cup, went down to south america for copa, then goes to derby county for that nightmare, which kicks off a string of injuries. leave us all heartbroken. my money is on feilhaber crushing it in kc this year and being back on the A team by the middle of ’13

      • Benny’s participation in Copa 2007 may have helped convince the permitting people in the UK to give Benny the permit for Derby County.

        He had previously been denied the permit on the basis that he had not participated in the required 75% of the US’ games.

        And of course Benny was first capped in 2007.

  29. Both rosters look very good. I bet the gold cup roster could give the wcq team a serious run for its money if they played each other!

    Reply
    • I always wondered this too. Would be fun to watch. I think the experience factor would help the WCQ team win over the Gold Cup squad.

      I also wonder if the January camp team would qualify from Concacaf if they replaced the regulars. I think they would make top 3 for sure and wouldn’t be surprised if they only were behind Mexico when all was said and done.

      Reply
    • I think the A team would whoop the B team soundly. The A team has superior players at every line. And I don’t see unusually dominant players in the B side who’d have the capability of dominating all by themselves.

      Reply
  30. Why can’t the European based players take part in both? It’s out of season and a major tournament which I think would suffice as a good excuse to miss some early preseason training with their clubs.

    If I remember, the US got demolished in the 2009 Gold Cup Final because we had the B team, but Mexico managed to bring an A team. Now this time around shouldn’t the roles be reversed?

    Reply
    • It’s called giving them a REST. European players will play into May, then go right into a USMNT qualifying camp. You want guys like Dempsey and Bradley jumping into the Gold Cup in July before going into pre-season? They have to get a month off at some point.

      Reply
      • Fair enough. But, in truth, the only reason he’d call in a lighter squad is because this is the Gold Cup that really doesn’t matter.

        If it were 2015 the rest wouldn’t matter with a Confederations Cup berth going to the winner.

      • I think this is an
        Ideal opportunity to get a close look at players that otherwise get passed over for older & more established players. It’s going to be a very exciting summer.

      • In 2015 we wouldn’t have World Cup Qualifying either, so they could play the Gold Cup in July after getting June off.

      • In 2015 we wouldn’t have World Cup Qualifying either, so they could play the Gold Cup in July after getting June off.

      • Rest is always an issue.

        These players are paid by someone else. The US is just borrowing them so they have an obligation to treat them properly

        And in 2015 WC qualifying will be less of an issue.

      • You’re missing that the vast majority of the year will be dedicated to the primary overall goal of qualifying for the world cup, which dictates a 95-100% serious selection every time. As such you don’t get the time to “blood” the succeeding generation for their own good and for the team’s future cycles. So when Gold Cup comes up you use it for that purpose.

        I’m sure if we went to Gold Cup with an A team we’d be a finalist if not champion but we’re already using the A team about every game from Feburary on. So this is your chance to look at the next layer and see what you have.

    • Mexico is taking the B Team, the Gold Olympic Team, they have a valid excuse this time as they will participate and taking their A Team to the Confederations Cup

      Reply
    • I think you will see European based in both but I think it will be a two-team setup with overlap in the middle. The qualifiers will be a perceived best 18 erring on the side of players with cap histories. The Gold Cup will be experimental because bluntly we only have so much free time to experiment. I think the Euro based for Gold Cup will be the ones with limited or no cap history that Klinsi wants to see, or who rode the bench in qualis.

      Reply
    • Terrence has had quite a fair share of time with the first choice national team line-up. Jurgen seems to rate Boyd highly, and I would figure he is going to be heavily involved in World Cup Qualifying games in 2013.

      Reply
      • Boyd didn’t play in the bigger qualifiers later in the year. He saw some minutes in Jamaica, and the cap-tying appearance vs. Antigua, but that’s really it. With Altidore and Johnson on the team along with Gomez, I think we see Boyd more as a bench option in qualifying but a starting option in the Gold Cup. As I stated above, Boyd could be on both teams, but he is far more likely of playing a key role on the Gold Cup team than World Cup qualifying in June. That changes if something happens to Boyd, Altidore or Gomez.

      • Correct, I forgot about Gomez he’s much more seasoned to handle the high pressure Qualifying matches than Boyd is. The Gold Cup roster is mostly filled with youngsters, even then they could handle most CONCACAF teams and winning the Championship doesn’t get you a Confed.Cup berth so its not worth bringing out our more “established” players.

    • He could be, but I think he could be a key figure on the Gold Cup team, with Agudelo better suited to be a bench option. We could see both Boyd and Agudelo on both teams, but I can definitely see Boyd as a starting Gold Cup forward.

      Reply
    • I think he’s Gold Cup or “both” as opposed to WCQ. Whatever Klinsi thinks of Jozy, Jozy is the experienced hand and Klinsi knows it. Generally speaking coaches in this situation go with experienced hands. And the US’ road-dominated early draw begs for experience. So Boyd at best is the tail end of a WCQ bench/ camp (FWIW, Austria is sufficiently iffy a league where even if he goes on a tear it’s discounted for it being Austria….at best it buys him a free seat on the bench to watch the qualifiers and play in garbage time).

      More likely he will play in Gold Cup, where he can gain experience in bulk, and the coaches can see how he produces when given bulk time.

      Reply
  31. Both rosters look great, we might have a shot at winning Gold Cup next year with Mexico’s first-team going to the Confederations Cup in Brazil (unless they have some unheard of wiz-kids (09′ Gold Cup) . Our most solid looking squad of course is the qualifying tea, which we need to perform their best anyway. The three players that have impressed me over this year have been Eddie Johson, Michael Bradley, and Fabian Johnson all three have been superb in the times I’ve seen them play, I hope they continue to get better as we head into 2013 and the World Cup in 2014.

    Reply
    • They are bringing the Gold Medalist Olympic team. An extremely solid team who would be favorites and two steps above the team Ives put out.

      Reply
      • I know we all praised Klinsi for bringing in Porter, but you have to point to Porter as the single biggest failure of the past decade.

        It was down to his A. inability to pick players B. inability to change tactics when things were going our way and when we were behind and C. inability to sub players.

        He was the embodiment of why the college game is failing professionals these days. They must adhere to FIFA standards to train coaches properly and give players an opportunity to play a few games like a professional.

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