Photo by ISIPhotos.com
By IVES GALARCEP
Michael Bradley, Brad Guzan and Clint Dempsey headlined the 23-player USMNT roster announced for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers vs. Costa Rica and Mexico.
Several familiar faces were left oft the roster, including long-time captain Carlos Bocanegra as well as German-Americans Fabian Johnson, Danny Williams and Timmy Chandler. Johnson, Chandler, Williams and Jose Torres were left out due to injuries, while players like Bocanegra and Michael Parkhurst were left out due to lack of playing time in recent weeks.
The U.S. team is also missing Tim Howard and Steve Cherundolo for this round of qualifying due to injuries.
Some younger options were included in the team, with Joe Corona and Terrence Boyd both called in for the match.
Here is the squad:
GOALKEEPERS– Brad Guzan, Nick Rimando, Sean Johnson.
DEFENDERS– Geoff Cameron, Omar Gonzalez, Tony Beltran, Justin Morrow, Clarence Goodson, Matt Besler.
MIDFIELDERS– Michael Bradley, Jermaine Jones, Maurice Edu, Graham Zusi, Brek Shea, Joe Corona, Sacha Kljestan, DaMarcus Beasley, Kyle Beckerman.
FORWARDS– Clint Dempsey, Jozy Altidore, Herculez Gomez, Eddie Johnson, Terrence Boyd.
———
Some quick thoughts on the roster:
The rash of injuries really put Klinsmann in a tough spot. He said a week ago that he thought Fabian Johnson would be ready. The fact that he wasn’t, and Timmy Chandler’s injury, left Klinsmann with no choice but to call in a roster short on fullbacks.
The fullback mess was in the making for weeks after Parkhurst failed to hold onto a starting role with Augusburg and Eric Lichaj failed to work his way into the Aston Villa rotation. Klinsmann was also considering Jonathan Spector, but he also sustained an injury this past weekend.
DaMarcus Beasley is back on the team and it’s a well-deserved call-up. He brings an in-form attacking threat on the left wing, and could also be considered for a left back role as well. Considering Justin Morrow is the only natural left back on the roster, Beasley absolutely could get the call at left back. If not in both qualifiers, certainly in the Mexico qualifier, where his experience on the national team and in Mexico will be a benefit.
Look for Maurice Edu to get a look in central defense in these qualifiers. He started there in the friendly win vs. Mexico in Azteca, and he could form a good partnership with fellow University of Maryland product Omar Gonzalez.
The rash of injuries could present some good opportunities for players like Joe Corona, who wasn’t on the roster initially.
————-
What do you think of the squad? Which inclusions are you most surprised by? Who are you disappointed to see left out? Think the U.S. can grab three or more points from the next two qualifiers?
Share your thoughts below.
this is the nearest I can make sense of…
Guzan
Cameron Gonzalez Besler
Beckerman Edu
Herc Bradley Jones Beasely
Dempsey
Here is the lineup I would run with the USA squad. People in the named first in the /’s are the first options, but I acknowledge some flexibility. I think this will work for the USA cause we have all our depth at midfield. I like dempsey in the playmaker role. I aslo think Sasha is a better playmaker than most, and Beasley has lots of experience in games like this.
——————-Altidore———————–Gomez/Boyd/Johnson
———————————-Dempsey———————————–
—————Beasley—————————-Kjlestan/Shea/Zuzi
————Jones——————-Bradley————–Edu——–
———–Besler—————-Gonzalez————–Cameron
———————————-Guzan——————
that would be awesome, only if the ref didnt notice that we had 12 players on the field…
I counted 16
I say we can all calm down a bit. The backline is a little scary but probably the best guys we could’ve called up given the bad luck and bad timing of all those injuries. Goodson has experience in huge games for us, Cameron should be more comfortable and he and Edu played well together in Azteca (albeit under much different circumstances). If we stick Beasley at LB, at the very very least we’ll have great speed there.
All in all, our forwards are playing really well right now, Dempsey has been consistently scoring for the Nats of late, Bradley is Bradley, and we finally have some wing options with Shea and Beasley to play with a little width. Look back at some of the rosters from 2010 and 2006 WC Qualifying. ..this team isn’t elite but it’s without any doubt in my mind, good enough for one of the top 3 spots out of these 6 teams.
The sky isn’t falling yet. There’s plenty to like about this team and we can root for them expecting to win against Costa Rica and hoping for a point at Azteca. No point in dreading these upcoming games, let’s just root for the team we have out there.
Well, honestly the biggest question mark are the fullback positions. So, as long as we get wing support from midfield, we will be all right against Costa Rica. Every other position I feel comfortable with in both games, even goalkeeper.
However, 90 minutes in Azteca will feel like 90 millenia. Not looking forward to the stress that game will cause me, especially if we don’t win in Colorado. Our wings will get severely exploited.
I can see us playing at home with:
—————–Altidore——————–
Shea————Dempsey——–Zusi—–
————Jones—–Bradley—————
-Morrow — Gonzalez — Edu — Cameron-
—————Guzan———————
at Azteca:
————-EJ—————–Herc———-
——————Dempsey——————-
————Bradley——–Jones————
——————Edu—————–
-Morrow — Gonzalez — Goodson — Cameron-
—————Guzan————————-
Think we’d get slaughtered on the wings at Azteca with that lineup.. a 4-5-1 to me is more likely, hope for a point.
My chest hurts looking at this roster. I imagine I will have a full cardiac event in Denver this week.
Whatever the line up is, even if the defense is not up to par, we need to have Jozy playing up top with one or two attacking partners, we’ve seen time and time again that if he’s playing up top on his own he gets little to no service. The more chances he gets the better!
They better score a lot of goals. This defense reeks. Why not Orozco Fiscal? He just played 90 minutes in Mexico and I know he wasn’t that great before, but he’s got to be better than Besler or Morrow. Edu will have to play on the back line, he did well before. Then you have Edu, Cameron, Goodson, and Gonzalez as decent players. The question is who plays on the left. Bob Bradley played Beasley once at left back and he was torched. He has speed, but is just too frail, can get muscled off the ball too easily to be effective in defense. And I think it would be a big mistake to play 3 in the back. I would put Edu on the left, Goodson and Gonzalez in the middle, and Cameron on the right. Lots of decisions to be made in midfield and up top, but it won’t matter much if they don’t get the back line in order. This is the worst news regarding the national team I can remember. Well, there’s always March Madness and my team made the field if these qualifiers get too brutal to watch.
Wake me when it’s over.
With all these midfielders and minimal quality at the back, I’m surprised nobody had trotted out the old 3-6-1!
Personally, I prefer the even more radical 1 – 8 – 1. Short passes ftw.
thanks, steve sampson
Wow. Looks like circumstances may force JK to throw his cards on the table and unveil the proactive, attacking US team he has been promising. This is definitely not a squad you want to see sitting back and absorbing pressure. It may be pedal to the metal.
I do not care if Lihaj and Boca are not playing. They are at least training and are not injured. They should have been called up. I do not even want to watch the games cause I feel like the back line is going to get torn up. At least with Boca and Lihaj we could have gotten a tie in Azteca then beat Costa Rica and we would be good.
Lichaj my bad.
You don’t care if Boca is not good enough to make the field for a bottom of the table second division Spanish side, but you think he’s better suited to come in and play then players who are in good form for top division sides, but happen to be younger, because… ????
Why do you think Boca isn’t playing for his relegation-fodder second division team? He’s not very good anymore. Why would you say you want an old, out of form player who hasn’t seen the pitch in months to play over someone who is actively playing in a first division?
because club form always dictates national team form right?
Back Four will be interesting, my depth chart for the 4-3-3 would look like this:
LB: Beasley, Morrow
LCB: Besler, Goodson
RCB: Gonzalez. Edu
RB: Cameron, Beltran
CDM: Williams, Beckerman
CM1: Bradley, Kljeistan
CM2: Corona, Jones
GK: Guzan, whatever
LW: Shea, Johnson
CF: Altidore, Dempsey, Boyd
RW: Zusi, Gomez
You do know that Williams isn’t on the roster, right?
And how could you bench Dempsey?
Would like to see this lineup:
Gomez Dempsey
Zusi Corona
Bradley Jones
Morrow Goodson Gonzales Cameron
We should have just called in Alex Morgan and at least won the battle of sex appeal.
LMBO!
good bye world cup i say
I like a
Cameron Gonzalez Edu Beasley
Zusi Jones Bradley Dempsey
Altidore Gomez
lineup…Not bad.
The backline certainly is concerning, what has Tim Ream been up to with Bolton?
Watching the games from the stands.
BTW when I first looked at the roster I thought this was for a friendly…not Costa Rica and Mexico
That photo says it all – I feel like that’s what they’ll look like on Friday night.
just finished 4th… just finish 4th…
The funniest thing about this roster is the shock inclusions (morrow/beltran) are stunning everyone so much that most haven’t had time to cringe at Beckerman’s inclusion. I hope Edu slides into CB for these qualifiers, interesting we brought 5 forwards. Also can’t help but wonder if Beasley will be at LB, I just don’t see the outside backs
excellent point re: beckerman.
Beckerman plays at elevation with RSL. Not at all surprising that Klinsi’s bringing him to Colorado and Mexico.
If you have to go this deep into the roster why not bring out Seth Sinovic? He is part of a very good SKC defense and can get up and down the field.
he didn’t do much on offense on Saturday.
If we don’t score goals, which we should our defense has to show up, but this is so much pressure on such inexperienced defenders
Holy F! The 2 outside backs called have zero qualifying experience and there is no depth. So I guess Parkhurst’s lack of play and Klinsman’s lack of interest have really bitten this team in the a$$. I would think an u-23 guy like Sarkodie and maybe Anibaba would suffice as depth. Even Sheanon Williams or Beitashour, but this dussel dork calls his players in so late there is no time 4 contingency plans. It makes me wonder if he knows any if the talent in MLS. He loves to throw last second curveballs. I really hope this works out for the team, but I’m very pessimistic right now.
As much as I like support houston, Sarkodie is no where near ready. He just spent a match getting torched. He has not been very strong in the last few dynamo matches.
Ok scratch him, but there are other options 4 depth is my point. De La Garza is another good example. I just don’t get Klinsman’s thought process.
AJ!!! I love this guy and he has 7 years with Omar. He can play anywhere across the back line. Wins headers against guys a foot taller than him and gets forward. Handles guys one on one both defensively and offensively. He has been called into camp by both Bradley and Klinsy, so I am assuming he didn’t show well, but I love him at LA.
Amen. About the only difference between him and Ashe is Sarkodie can get up the field dangerously, hit a precision ball. But neither of them can man-mark well, and both make distributional gaffes.
And the idea of turning to the U23 team as a solution to anything strikes me as dunder-headed. They couldn’t hold off ES U23 for 20 minutes but they are going to stop Mexico senior in Azteca???????? I think that whole aspect of the selection shows Klinsi favors a pecking order of known quanitities at the expense of leaving out interesting players whose vice is they aren’t on the inside. Because if the pool is this depleted why not Mixx or Gatt instead of Kljestan; Lichaj instead of Morrow.
I meant lack of interest in Lichaj.
Beitashour not an option… Hurt as well.
I do think Morrow is getting short shrift here – he is rounding into form in MLS (Also just scored over the weekend), so may be a viable option, and definitely has recovery speed.
I’m pretty bummed for Beitashour. He’s a more polished option than Beltran. He picked up his injury in USMNT camp right before their game, and Beltran took over. I think he would have been worth a look then and now. Too bad.
Sucks about the back line, which is my only concern. But Cameron can play RB like he does for Stoke. Morrow or someone else can play LB. I actually see our attack as a strength as Eddie Johnson and Herc are in good form. Cant forget Altidore. Im praying he gets a goal on Friday or Tuesday.
Or we can try a 3-2-3-2
———Cameron—–Edu———Goodson
——————-Jones——Bradley
Zusi——————Dempsey——-Beasley
——————-Gomez——-Jozy
Aka, 3-5-2. Defensively we would be slaughtered.
I think a lot is going to depend on Goodson’s form in camp…He can be good or bad, but he could just be the experience we need anchoring the line.
With all the injuries, JK figures, well the back line got shafted already, so lets change it up a bit. Go all out on over loading the opponents with a 3 – 4 – 3 or 3 – 5 – 2 formation (only half joking here). This roster seems to practically telegraph a 3 man back line. I would rather not see that considering our back line has a been a big weakness (though the midfield problems compound the defensive problems), but the question is does JK think he can get more possession by overloading with 4/5 midfielders and 2/3 forwards. The back line will be susceptible to counter attacks (already was anyways, so do you really give up that much by going to 3 man back line?) If Jk has something that works in midfield in keeping the ball a bit more and the midfield is willing to push up, then the formations above could theoretically work pretty well. So something like:
Dempsey – Altidore
Beasley/Shea? Sasha Zusi
Jones Bradley
Goodson/Besler? Gonzoles Cameron
Don’t get me wrong, this is a ballsy as hell line up. WCQ is not the time to experiment, but at least in this formation i feel like the players are at least close to their natural roles. And considering the injuries, this may be the time to do whatever you can to bolster what has been an absolutely pathetic attack (due to lack of width).
Or probably better,
sub out sasha, put in Gomez up top and put dempsey at center mid. The formation can easily switch from 3 5 2 to 3 4 3 when on the attack.
so the formation is:
Gomez – Altidore
Beasley/Shea? Dempsey Zusi
Jones Bradley
Goodson/Besler Gonzales Cameron
We’re in some trouble. This is by far the worst lineup that we’ve had for a game at Azteca is recent memory. I won’t begrudge Klinsmann for the injuries, but even if Boca hasn’t been playing lately, he should be called in for his experience. I’d even take Onyewu right now even though he hasn’t been playing.
Their time has passed, sadly. It is what it is, the USA has to rely on inexperienced defenders.
no it doesn’t. in fact, if that was the case, then these inexperienced guys should have been getting all the minutes the last 18 months
there’s no plan, never more evident
Folks, Hoffenheim is in a brutal relegation battle right now fighting for life to stay in the 1. Bundesliga. Even if Johnson Johnson maybe would be fit for a game this next weekend for Hoffenheim, I could fully understand that club management does not want to risk reinjury. And ditto with Danny Williams who has been starting in recent weeks and has been solid. Williams played 90 minutes against Mainz Saturday and, quite frankly, I am skeptical that he is injured but no problem if the club was reluctant to let him go in a crisis relegation situation. As for Timothy Chandler, there was no hint on Saturday that he was injured and a bit of skepticism there and I am not surprised with Timmy bowing out. We cannot depend on this guy and Klinsmann better get that through his thick skull. Klinsmann should have been testing RB and LB alternatives during the past 18 months instead of having those long telephone conversations trying to convince Timmy to join up.
In any case, now we know why Klinsmann delayed announcing the roster, was maybe on the telephone pleading with players and/or clubs management.
Deandre Yedlin from Seattle for RB
I agree, he’ll be a lock for a starter at the WC in Qatar.
2022?
Yes, he’s 19. He needs to finish puberty before he gets his first cap.
check back in a year or 2 when he’s played more than 2 pro games.
that said, heck of a prospect, and could be a big star.
Juan Agudelo looked like a heck of a prospect at first. Now he’s known as Juan Agudelwho?
I consider myself a pretty big NT supporter. A little shocking when I have to look up Justin Morrow to see who he is and where he plays. I would much rather see Edu as a CB than Omar or Besler.
Not really – just means you don’t watch MLS.
lol +1
+1
What do people expect Kinsi to do when Castillo, Chandler, Cherundolo, Johnson, and Spector are all injured?? Boca hasn’t played in six weeks – I really don’t want to see him on the field.
I think the fact that Beltran plays/trains at elevation with RSL got him on this roster for these fixtures. Don’t see him making the roster over Lichaj otherwise (even if he’s not playing at AV right now).
That said, I’m not super worried about the defense. We’ll probably see Beasley-Gonzo-Goodson-Cam. Cam plays RB for Stoke most of the time anyway, and Beasley has played LB for the Nats before. Besler and Edu are capable backups at CB. The outside back options off the bench give me less confidence…
——————————-Guzan
Cameron—–Edu————-Besler/Gonzo———–Beasley
———————–Jones———————Bradley
————–Dempsey——————————-Corona
—————————-Gomez
—————————————-Altidore
We win both games 5-4.
I like this lineup. Edu is a vet and with Gonzo’s, could be a good pairing. Plus Beas could push up the flanks and has the legs to cover.
since it’s such an experimental back line why not bring in AJ De La Garza?
because…TRex arms.
LOL, lmao, but then i am thinking he really does not need monkey arms like in basketball.
I’m with you that AJ is up there in talent with some of the choices on the back line but he’s only going to bring in people that he had in the January camp and has had a chance to Germanize.
Why not start the entire galaxy back line? At least there would be cohesion
My thought exactly, assuming it didn’t interfer with Concacaf Champions League. MLS is already looking at moving Galaxy games around, just offer Bruce Arena whatever he wants to not complain.
+1
Maybe we could have Arena join them as guest coach for the week too. Then I might be hopeful for 3 points over the games.
I’m in agreement with everyone else that there is genuine concern about not making the world cup but honestly if we can’t finish fourth in a six team group and then beat New Zealand we can’t say a damn thing about anyone!
I’m not panicking because we have a tough early draw and the easier games are coming in June. And as you point out, you basically only have to beat two teams, eg, Panama, Jamaica. But both those teams have easier Marches, and could put some space between us if they get some results and we don’t. So I think we need 3, to put us in a situation where in June we can get results and pass them.
But I am a little concerned that when Klinsi has some injuries happen, eg, the end of the last round, he makes some wierd picks, remains oddly stubborn about some people. Left Altidore out before, now he continues to leave out Lichaj.
I mean, CR and Mexico are hard enough without being quirky about the selection.
But remember Mexico has an easy draw at the end of the hex… meaning they could be in the clear before they play Panama on the last week, just when the US might need Panama to lose.
Needs to be Besler (LCB), Gonzalez (RCB), Cameron (RB). LB will be a weak link no matter what. Hopefully we can get the win vs. Costa Rica. Mexico will pillage that left side. Gold Cup redux?
I won’t be surprised to see Jones at outside back — we have plenty of defensive mid’s.
Guzan
Cameron-Gonzales-Goodson-Jones
Zusi-Bradley-Edu-Demsey
Altidore-Gomez
It looks like Cameron will be an outside back for sure. I bet he tries Shea at LB. I have always thought that would be awesome, but with his form the way it is I really don’t think this is the time…
An outside back is supposed to be a defender first. I really don’t see Shea as a defender.
So you’ve been impressed by Jermaine Jones play at LB lately?
I’m not impressed by Jones at all; however, there was one game where he played left mid (at least for a half) and that, I thought, was his best game for the USMNT.
this caused my heart to skip a beat as much as the next person, BUT it might not be a bad thing.
it’s gonna be a horse race in both games. it’s put up or shut up time for the midfield and forwards. they’re gonna have to score at least 2 in each match to give us a chance. Knowing that will certianly spark any player worth their salt.
the defense knows ho they are and what folks are gonna say. this is agreat opportunity for these plyaers to show they are relevant to the USMNT conversation. hpefully it will bring th ebest out of them.
that said, come game time there is no making up for chemistry and timne spent playing together. this back line has none of that.
fun times.
Sometimes i wonder if half of US fans even pay attention.
Cameron at rb, omar/edu (or goodson) at cb, morrow at lb. We are decimated by injuries. What did you all expect?! It’s the hand we were dealt.
Left back is a concern but the rest I’m comfortable with. If the 6 in front can maintain possession and attack then no worries.
The hand we were dealt could still include Gatt, Lichaj, and some different players. This is not maximizing the hand dealt, it’s being dealt the hand and then further diluting the pool with wierd/rote picks like Kljestan, Beltran. The Bornstein comparisons are a propos. To use the Bradley Gold Cup example, it’s one thing to have the starter get hurt, it’s another thing to see this as the solution, eg, Bornstein.
Shea was tried at LB for FC dallas a few time, he struggled with his positioning and honestly, it is a wast of his talents. Shea’s best ability is to beat defenders with speed and deliver very good crosses, he won’t get to do that at LB because CR and mexico will force any LB we field to stay at home.
This Roster strongly suggests a 3-5-2 formation, but if Klinsman does that I can almost assure you we will have beckerman, Edu, Bradley and Jones on the field. Nothing like 4 defensive midfielders to support and provide service to Altidore Dempsey and Gomez.
Yet another example of how thin we are in the back in our player pool.
I really don’t get why you don’t call up Boca here, at least to provide some clubhouse leadership, and an experienced backup option. Makes no sense, unless Boca said he wasn’t fit enough, who knows.
Another experimental backline it seems, at this point, I’d rather see Cameron at RB like he plays a lot off so we can get him, Gonzo and Goodson on the field. They really are our 3 best and most internationally seasoned defenders from that list, which is frightening if you really think about it.
I’m almost open to having Shea play LB even.
The rest of the roster I haven’t many issues with. Our strike force is pretty decent, at last. Now to provide some service…
Guzan
Cameron, Gonzo, Goodson, Shea
Bradley, Jones
Clint, Zusi
Jozy, Gomez
im for sure going to be drinking a lot at the pub before/during/after the games this friday and next tuesday.
We are in trouble, no doubt. Trial by fire is the best way to get the defense to learn though, right?
Yeah…….I don’t think so either..
OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’m not suggesting Boca for WC14, but we sure could use his experience and leadership at Azteca.
Injuries obviously decimated the defense so Klinsmann went with what little he had available. However, I question the decision not to bring in a more experienced player (Bocanegra) just to be in the locker room. Jurgen will have to really earn his money with this group of players.
I’m not ruling out the 3-5-2 some have been throwig out there but just can’t see it as the wisest decision. I think we should stick with 4 at the back and make sure we have good cover for Morrow on the left. Personally I’d go with Beasley, but would not at all be surprised to see a #6 behind Bradley/Jones again to try to protect a brittle back 4. I think that handcuffs us offensively and puts even more pressure on us defensively as we struggle to keep possession or sustained attacks. My instant reaction is this. lineup.
————————-Guzan
Cameron–Gonzales–Besler–Morrow
—————-Bradley—–Jones
Gomez————Dempsey——-Beasley
———————–Altidore
sorry but we will not see besler get the nod….if anything either goodson or edu will partner gonzalez at the back wih cameron sliding to either right or left back!!!! Evrything else looks pretty solid to me!
With the group of players available, Jurgen would be hard pressed to come out with a starting 11 that surprises me. He is going to have to be creative to make this work. All options should be on the table.
I’m a big NYRB homer but why not bring in Heath Pearce to play left-back? At least he has some USMNT experience. Probably Gonzalez and Edu in the middle with Cameron at RB. Not an inspiring back line.
Plus Klinsmann will play some ridiculous combination of midfielders that will ensure we can’t string 2 passes together.
And I’m usually an etneral optimist…
Granted Lichaj hasn’t been playing much for Aston Villa…but if he can’t make the squad with all our injuries, we may never see him in a UNMNT jersey while Kilnsmann’s in charge. #Disappointing
+1
Yeah, this was the shot. I don’t get it. Except maybe that since he’s not even looked at Lichaj, the guys he has seen apparently get a leg up even if they looked horrible when they played. Devil he knows, etc.
this is THE problem with the way Coach handled the buildup, and now by not having worked others into the mix the answers on thin once the injuries hit
weak excuse in my opinion. his job is to have contingency plans for this
AWESOME! We get the Gold Cup roster several months early. When do we get the roster for this weekend?
Best reply on this thread.
Well played Mauer.. Well played
These players don’t look like players for the B team Gold Cup roster. If that is the case then where are the players who can outperform Bradley,Altidore,Gomez,Guzan? We know where Donovan is, but if we have better ones then them that I haven’t heard or seen then we should at least have little trouble in qualifying.