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USMNT Daily Update: 23 for 2014 (June 2013 Edition)

USMNT Starting 11

Photo by ISIPhotos.com

By IVES GALARCEP

With the June World Cup qualifiers in the rearview mirror, and the CONCACAF Gold Cup looming, it is time to take the laatest look at how the U.S. Men’s National Team’s 2014 World Cup squad is shaping up a year before the tournament.

For one thing, the U.S. team’s recent run of victories makes it a lot easier to project a World Cup squad, because lets face it, I’m sure some of you were a little nervous about taking qualification for granted. Now, with the U.S. leading the HEX and rolling toward Brazil, there is little doubt at this point that the U.S. will book a place at the World Cup.

The June qualifiers didn’t actually do much to shake up the make-up of the projected World Cup squad. The reality is that the true revelations of June’s matches involved players who already factored into the squad. Jozy Altidore, Fabian Johnson and Matt Besler all had outstanding runs, but they were already clear-cut options to be on the World Cup team.

Some players on the fringes did well to improve their stock though, from Brad Evans to Brad Davis, while a player like Edgar Castillo saw his stock grow since our last projection April thanks to his stellar play in Copa Libertadores.

So how might a U.S. World Cup team look like at the moment? Here is the latest SBI projection for the 23 players we see on the 2014 U.S. World Cup roster (yes, assuming the U.S. qualifies):

PROJECTED USMNT WORLD CUP 2014 ROSTER (June 2013)

(Changes from April in bold, new additions to the Missed the Cut list are in bold italics)

GOALKEEPERS– Tim Howard, Brad Guzan, Nick Rimando

Outlook– Nothing has changed here and this seems the most likely trio if healthy. Unless Johnson or Hamid really turn it up over the next year, it seems more likely Klinsmann will bring Rimando along as a solid locker room guy.

Missed the cut– Sean Johnson, Hamid.

———————-

DEFENDERS– Fabian Johnson, Matt Besler, Omar Gonzalez, Geoff Cameron, Clarence Goodson, DaMarcus Beasley, Steve Cherundolo, Timmy Chandler

Outlook– No changes to this group though Brad Evans did put himself on the radar after an admirable showing in June’s qualifiers. Given Chandler’s continued absence from the mix, it wouldn’t be all that shocking if he fell out of the picture altogether. For now, we’ll keep him on, but if he doesn’t feature in the August friendly against Bosnia-Herzegovina, Evans might see his name on this list soon.

The centerback situation seems pretty set for now, but the Gold Cup should offer us a good sense of whether older options like Bocanegra and Onyewu have a chance to break back into the squad.

Edgar Castillo narrowly missed the cut here, and could definitely be included if Klinsmann decides Fabian Johnson will spend more time as a left winger.

Missed the cut– Carlos Bocanegra, Edgar Castillo, Brad Evans, Oguchi Onyewu, John Anthony Brooks, Justin Morrow.

———————–

MIDFIELDERS– Michael Bradley, Eddie Johnson, Jermaine Jones,  Graham Zusi, Maurice Edu, Landon Donovan, Joe Corona, Stuart Holden

Outlook– The core of this group is pretty set after the recent qualifiers, but there is plenty of room for speculation on the tail-end of the group. Landon Donovan continues to  project on the team even though Klinsmann left him out of the recent squad, and even though Brad Davis showed well in June.

Why Holden? Maybe it’s a wishful thinking projection, but he showed some glimpses in his recent cameos, and he should be given the chance to start in the Gold Cup next month. The same applies for Corona, who should be a starter on the Gold Cup squad.

Missed the cut– Sacha Kljestan, Danny Williams, Brad Davis, Brek Shea, Alejandro Bedoya, Jose Torres, Josh Gatt, Kyle Beckerman, Jose Villarreal, Mike Magee

———————–

FORWARDS– Clint Dempsey, Jozy Altidore, Terrence Boyd, Herculez Gomez

Outlook– Altidore’s outstanding June has to have Klinsmann feeling better about this group overall. Gomez didn’t feature in the recent matches, but he continues to be a top option. The same goes for the young Boyd, who we still see as a player with major upside.

This group could also be impacted by the Gold Cup, where McInerney and Bruin could have a chance to shine. Juan Agudelo was a surprise exclusion from the Gold Cup preliminary roster, but we still see him as a good potential option, especially if he keeps playing well for New England, and if he makes a successful move next winter.

Missed the cut– Juan Agudelo, Will Bruin, Jack McInerney, Chris Wondolowski,

——–

What do you think of this group? Which player are you happy to see make our projected 23-man roster? Who didn’t make the squad that you think should have?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. Starting lineup:

    ——Howard——

    Dolo—Cameron—Besler—Johnson

    Bradley—Jones

    Donovan—————-Zusi

    Dempsey

    Altidore

    Note: I don’t think that Jones and Gonzales should be on the pitch together. That’s too much mistake-proness (I know that’s not a word) in the center of our defense. either cameron should replace Gonzales or Edu/Cameron should replace Jones. I’ll go with gonzales since the double pivot is just a more solid strategy for the world cup than a true holding mid, and Jones/Bradley still have time to build trust.

    Reply
  2. Completely useless opinion:

    Overall, I pretty much agree with this team. There’s only 3 players I would switch.

    1. I’m thinking Shea beats out corona

    2. Edu is definitely the default option, but if a more versatile or dynamic option arises it could go that way. I could see an extra defender (evans) taking this roster spot, since that would leave us with 4 regular/former midfielders along the back line (johnson, beasley, evans, cameron).

    3. I don’t like Goodsen, period. I think that either gooch, boca, or both move ahead of him after the GC. Personally, I would take boca for the leadership and experience. Both of which are severely lacking in the CB pool. I think that’s worth a roster spot.

    Reply
  3. I think Holden will be in the final roster because Klinsmann has seen that he has good potential and by giving him a chance over other players in the qualifiers proves that he has some hope over what he could bring to the mix coming June 2014 but i guess all of that will be determined whether or not he does good in the gold cup which i am positive will be the main stage where all non-european regulars will be tested but i agree with this roster and i think that Holden should definitely not be taken out.

    Reply
  4. Yedlin anyone? The man who beats out Evans as RB at Sounders? JK wasn’t shy about young unproven players in Germany. Another year of development left.

    Reply
    • I hope he shows well at the U20 WC. Physically he’s right there, but he makes typical rookie mistakes, like falling asleep on crosses. His awareness at the MLS level is still a work in progress, so asking him to take the jump to the international level is a huge leap of faith. The thing that practically saves a guy like Evans is he’s gritty with a good understanding of the game, he’s mentally dialed in…just too bad he doesn’t have a little more pace.

      Reply
  5. Shea has to make the roster if he stays healthy. Too valuable even if just off the bench.

    I’d say Corona, Edu, Herc, and maybe Holden are missing the cut come 2014.

    Reply
    • BS Shea is too valuable. if he still isn’t playing, i’ll take Corona over him. i hope Shea ends up playing next season, but his spot is not locked in place simply because he is too valuable.

      Reply
      • I agree. He was on a slump before his injury wiyh Dallas. At Stoke he hasnt made the Bench in ages. Definitely not a lockdown pick.

  6. Is there anyone else who could potentially step up and seize a CB spot? I’m more worried about CB than any other position.

    Reply
    • I honestly think that come WC 2014 our back line will be

      F. Johnson-Besler-Cameron-Cherundolo.

      I dont think Cherundolo is done, and I think Omar will play himself out of the position. Cameron is serviceable as a CB and we’ll need him to adapt to the position i feel. He has been showing a lot of upside at Mid recently which is great but i think well need him in the back come showtime.

      Reply
    • Long shot but maybe Farrell, he played CB in college, he’s playing RB now…he’s raw, but has the physical tools and speed…better than average passing skills… just depends if he can pick up the mental aspects at the international level in a year…probably too much to ask in that short amount of time… maybe Brooks if he commits. Any new candidates would need to be brought in immediately to have any chance to gel. Probably all moot, I think JK will stick with Omar hoping he improves over the year.

      Reply
  7. Curious to see how DeAndre Yedlin does at the U-20 WC. If he shows well, I’d like to see him get a run at right back. I love Stevie but he’s not getting any younger, and I’m still not sold on Chandler.

    Reply
    • He’s been called up consistently the past year so why don’t you see him making it? He’s only been getting 10 minutes when he’s played. Lets wait until the Gold Cup and see how he does with some real playing time. If he’s bad then give someone else a chance, if he’s good then give him more playing time.

      Reply
  8. I would not be surprised at all to see Evans on the final roster. Like most I don’t see him as a starter at RB – that’s Cherundolo if he’s fit enough – but Evans is versatile enough to capably back up more than a couple positions. He’s not playing right back for his club and yet has picked up the position for these qualifiers and not looked out of place at all (though he’s not fast enough to play it at the highest international levels). You need a couple of guys on the 23 that can play multiple positions, as opposed to a Goodson, who is stuck in the middle (and I don’t rate him highly there anyway).

    Reply
  9. i need some enterprising reporter to give me the whole story on Shea. Dude “should” be on this roster. Why was Dallas so eager to get rid of him? Why are his injuries so much of a problem?

    Reply
    • Injuries were an issue and he was constantly asked to do everything on that team (when he left there was no Blas Perez Kenny Cooper and ferria was still hurt).

      Reply
  10. Cameron needs to be the starter at Dmid. If that happens there no need to bring Mo. I’m also wondering if Yedlin or Farrell make a push at right back. My gut tells me Chandler is done with nats. Evans and Beas have done an adequate job on the flanks, but the WC is a whole different intensity level…it’s for blood and playing friendlies, even against solid teams don’t prepare you for that level of mental and physical pressure. It will be real interesting to see who are flank fullbacks will be, still a big question mark.

    Reply
    • * there’s* doesn’t *our. tough to quickly and cryptically post at work and keep an eye on the fries…

      Reply
  11. This is a fairly accurate listing/projection as of the moment. However, there is a long ways to go till the WC and there are always injuries, slumps, and players on a hot streak. IMO There are area’s of concern in the projected 23….

    GK – Rimando – I’d take a young GK as the 3rd stringer to give them experience. Hamid or Johnson are the likely options.

    D – Need to replace Goodson…just don’t know who will step into that void.

    MF – I dont’ particularly care for EJ. Would hope that a better Winger option develops or is ID’ed during the GC (Bedoya/Mixx/Gatt/Wood). Mo Edu is one to watch as well….He’ll need to really perform at the club level to maintain his hold. Look for Williams & Torres to push for that last DM spot.

    F – Gomez is the most likely to fall out of favor/contention. Options developing (Agudelo, Wood) who will push for inclusion. Boyd is another who will need a good club campain to remain in the 23 similar to Edu.

    Reply
    • I keep seeing these comments about bringing a young third GK to give them experience. You don’t take players to the World Cup to give them experience. That’s what friendlies, Gold Cups, etc. are for. You take the 23 players to the World Cup who give you the best chance to win if they are ever needed to play in a game. That applies to every other position.

      Reply
      • When was the last time a team got to their 3rd string goalie? I’m not sure it has ever happened for the US. 3rd goalie is largely about getting someone accustom to what it is like to be around the WC.

      • If you have a great young goalkeeper of the future identified then I think its fine to take him along as the 3rd guy. I don’t think Hamid or Johnson have really shown they will be that guy in 5-6 years though. Rimando is a good guy to have in the locker room. That is an underrated quality in the pressure cooker of a World Cup.

  12. Bringing Cameron also let you drop someone like Edu. Cameron gives you a lot of flexibility and allows you to add another attacking player, unless it turns out that Cameron is our starting centerback.

    Reply
  13. also ives, i’m not sure what holden showed you glimpses of, but i didn’t see anything that made it seem like he was close to the world cup roster. he looked slow, hesitant, and generally unimpressive, i guess.

    i love that he’s back playing, and i’d be thrilled if he got back to where he was pre-injury, but yes, i think that’s wishful thinking based on what we’ve seen so far.

    Reply
  14. Mike Magee is a solid player in MLS and an outstanding Bradly Cooper stunt double. But considering he’s never played for the senior team, I think its a stretch to say that he “missed the cut”.

    Reply
  15. Defenders: With all due respect to Clarence Goodson, I think it is time to remove him from this list. If Klinsmann is going to have one veteran CB on the roster, it would make more sense to have Carlos Bocanegra. As for Timothy Chandler, there are reports in the German press that Klinsmann has asked Chandler to play in the upcoming Gold Cup and it appears Timothy will snub Klinsmann yet again. If so, then I would bet that this is Timmy’s last chance and Klinsmann will have had enough and we won’t be seeing Chandler again this cycle. Does anyone honestly believe that there is chemistry anymore between Chandler and the guys on the team?

    Midfielders: +1 (but, please, the door wide open for Jose Torres. Still have hopes that he can get it together.)

    Forwards: After watching the embarrassing late cameo role from Terrence Boyd against Germany coupled with the devastating good performances from Jozy the past two weeks, I think it is time to pull the plug on Boyd. I like him and think he has potential, but we have better options and Klinsmann should be giving those guys a chance to show what they can do and also let them have international experience before next summer at WC 2014. Why keep calling in Boyd? Does anyone on this board really think that Terrence Boyd is better than Chris Wondolowski? Does anyone here remember when Klinsmann used to think Daniel Williams was great and kept starting him for one reason or another–until after the Sporting News article was published?

    Reply
    • biff,

      it is looking more and more like you were dead on 100% right about tim chandler. you are a prophetic madman. props.

      Reply
      • here is the article he is refering to:

        http://www.bild.de/sport/fussball/timothy-chandler/hammerprogramm-statt-sommerpause-30541154.bild.html

        Chandler confirms JK asked, but also says they would have to check with his club. I’m assuming to see how he is progressing after training. after his injury, a tear, it says he came back and was training, then went on vacation, then would undergo evaluation. obviously the 35 man roster came out and he was not on it. i’d like to hear if they thought he was too out of form. which would not surprise me. the guy hasn’t played a game since the first weekend in May. not sure he would help us much at the Gold Cup. either way, i do wish he was there.

  16. Omar Gonzalez is fine for Concacaf, but really needs to get mentally sharp by getting out of MLS and get into the Bundesliga, Serie A, or LaLiga. I would hope Serie A.

    Reply
  17. ives, why do have fabian as a defender? is klinsmann still listing him as one?

    i think, if you @ssume that fabian continues to be our starter at LM, then that moves castillo onto the roster, and either bumps eddie johnson entirely off, or up to striker (where i think boyd would miss out, depending on how gomez is doing).

    Reply
    • Klinnsman, up to this point has gotten very very lucky with great individual efforts of the USMNT…so much room for roster improvement…if anything the standings reflect the players and definitely not the coaching.

      Reply
    • With the Wing options we will potentially have, I see Johnson as a Defender. Donovan, Shea, Holden (possibly), Corona, Zusi, maybe Dempsey, on the wing with Johnson is better than a different left back and Johnson in the midfield IMO.

      Reply
  18. I think this is as good a projection as you could make right now. But what’s more important to me is that I feel pretty good about the pool of players Klinnsman appears to have on his radar. While I think there is room to debate a bit here and there, for the most part I don’t see glaring issues with the player selection at this point and that is heartening to me. Because at points during his tenure I have felt there have been some real head scratchers to which he was beholden.

    Reply
    • Agreed…what struck me is the relative depth to past years. There will be players left home that would be border line starters in years past. The US is obviously still growing as a soccer country but a big part of this is depth and I think these projections prove that the US is headed in the right direction

      Reply
    • At this point, here are probably only 11-12 guys who are for sure going to Brazil if they are healthy, 3-5 who are probably going, and another 20 or so who are in contention for the rest. Form/health over the next year will fill out most of the roster. It will be interesting to see how Klinsmann builds his roster in the end. There will certainly be some good players left at home. Its going to be really tough to fill out those last 2-3 roster spots next summer. We have a number of players who are very versatile which gives Klinsmann a lot of options on how to put the final 23 together.

      Reply
  19. WC roster of 23 I believe. 11 starters, 11 substitutes, and one extra goalie. The Gold Cup has the potential to be played for the 11 substitute positions on the bench with maybe 3-4 potential starters. I am really looking forward to the Gold Cup.

    Reply
  20. I agree with the lineup predictions somewhat. I would rather see Cameron and Gonzo or Cameron & Besler as my starting option hopefully next W.C. I believe both Gonzo & Besler are going to get smashed by any decent offensive team in the W.C… Our offensive possession of the ball has been the best defensive tactic in our NT. So I’m not buying our CB players just yet.

    I just hope Adu gets minutes in Brasil this season so he can beat out EJ, Zusi, and Corona which I believe is decent, but not as good as Adu imo. Adu has more to offer than all 3 of those players with no playing time.

    Boyd & Gomez I have no issues with. Unless Agudelo comes out firing and the next year.

    Reply
    • +1

      There is still just enough time for Adu to force his way onto the team. A good showing in Brasil, and there is still hope for him.

      Reply
    • Zusi is not going anywhere. He started to cement his spot with his showing against Jamaica last September and has looked more and more comfortable with this team. There is a good chance he is not in the first eleven by the time Brazil rolls around, but I do not see Adu or anybody else taking his spot on the roster of 23.

      Reply
      • +1

        Zusi has been solid with the Nats and has shown an excellent work rate. I am happy for him and happy that he’s on the team. If Adu did pick it up and worked his way back into the team, it wouldn’t be at Zusi’s expense.

  21. There is no reason to think Brek Shea will have a good year at Stoke. He made two appearances there last year and barely saw the bench. He played poorly in the Olympic qualifiers with the exception of good game against a very weak Cuba side. I hope I’m wrong, but his game does not seem to be improving.

    Reply
  22. I’d like to see Torres make the team. He brings a different skill set and could be a nice tool for holding a lead late with his composure on the ball. Also not sure Boyd has done enough to be on, but I guess he’s got a year…

    Reply
      • He plays on a big team in Mexico and I think his play for the US has been solid if unspectacular. Mostly I like bringing him because his skill set and game is completely different from out typical Rico Clark/ mo edu / beckerman style midfielder.

      • Torres can beat a defender 1 on 1, dribble, pass, and has good vision..he has no purpose beyond what Eddie Johnson can bring to the team. Sad I know.

      • I really think that Torres has had many, many chances to impress successive coaches of the USMNT. Bradley stuck with him, Klinsmann stuck with him early on, and he repeatedly failed to impress. I’m not saying I wouldn’t like to see him again. Look at the international renaissances that EJ and Beasley have had. I think if he starts lighting it up in Mexico he should absolutely get another look, and if he performed well, I’d want him in Brazil! At this point though, similar to another player you mentioned, Beckerman, I feel as though we’ve seen what we’re going to see from him. As always when I speak negatively of a potential US player, I hope he proves me wrong! Nothing would delight me more than to see a more skillful, crafty, possession oriented midfielder sitting next to Bradley, kicking our offense up even another notch. But Torres has been given that chance before and hasn’t proved himself capable.

        Just my opinion.

      • i don’t think Torres ever start a game in CM. always at LM or LB. he’s the starting CM for the Clausura champs, he can absolutely bring something to this team. while i like Edu, i don’t think we need him and i’d rather have someone like Torres.

      • the us needs everyone they can get, including Torres and Edu. Torres played himself out of the squad much like Freddy Adu did, but not working hard enough defensively. Adu played very well in two high stakes international matches for the us. Torres has had more chances than adu with not nearly the same results. Id love to see what all these guys can do and then take the most consistent performers.

      • that is not the conversation we are having. yes, the US needs everyone they can in their pool. but we are talking about 23 spots. and we are saying that Torres makes more sense than Edu if you only have one slot left. why? because you already have Bradley, Jones, and Cameron.

        so again, this is just a hypothetical scenario in which you have to choose between Edu and Torres for the final WC roster spot (based on current form).

  23. With Jones, Bradley and Cameron on the roster Edu would become quite redundant. Cameron’s play has catapulted himself well above Edu on the depth chart. I’d rather have a guy that brings something different to the table…Gatt, Mix, whoever rather than yet another D-mid

    Reply
  24. I am hoping that “cult hero” Josh Gatt impresses in the GC and forces himself into the picture.

    I think JK will keep trying to have FJ on the left back and GZ as left wing with LD coming back on the right.

    Still not 100% sold on OG. Definately not sold on the Gonzo/Goodson pairing. Would like to see other the pairings, such as Cameron/Besler and Goodson/Besler.

    ———–Altidore———————

    Zusi—–Dempsey——-Donovan

    —-Holden——-Bradley————

    Johnson–Besler—xxx–Cherundolo

    ———–Howard————————

    Reply
    • I’m hopeful for Holden but that’s certainly not a given yet. I too would like to see at least one game of Cameron/Besler, but I think long term, Gonzo has that spot. Growing pains are a part of adjusting to the international game; that’s been discussed ad nauseum, and you just have to look at his improvement from the first Honduras game to this one to see the benefits reaped from gaining experience. Have his performances been spotless? No. Should we engrave his starting spot in stone? Obviously not, he’ll be subjected to the same competition that his other teammates are. But you’ve got to recognize his ceiling and give him the space to grow and reach that ceiling.

      Reply
      • Is the point to try to develop Gonzalez or to put the best team on the field? Development is for club soccer anyway. If he’s still committing gaffes in September, that spot needs to go be Cameron’s.

    • It might be a dumb idea but I’d kind of like to see Gatt tried out at right back on the Gold Cup. How disciplined to the position he would be is hard to tell but that speed could make up for some mistakes.

      Reply
  25. Get Chandler out of there! I dont care if he has 3 assists vs Bosnia; he has yet to perform in the World Cup Qualifing run– he is not part of this team! Especially if Cherundolo makes it, there is no need for Chandler.

    That said if he gets off his @$$ and plays for us in the last four games then he could be an option…

    Reply
  26. Ives, is George John in the picture under Jurgen? Would you rate him comparable to Omar, thus maybe deserving of another shot?

    Reply
      • This is true, he has the option for both but hasnt been called in by either yet I believe. Although I may be wrong, the Greeks may have tried to call him in before.

      • He played a friendly with Greece, but not sure they are really that interested. He only recently bothered to get his Greek passport.

        He was invited in to 2012 Camp Cupcake, but pulled out to trial in the UK. Didn’t get a Gold Cup invite, though he could work himself back into the picture. A year is a long time.

      • I don’t think he committed either way but by showing up for a Greek camp I think he’s further down the road to loyalty issues than people like Chandler who people routinely mention on the issue.

        I’m not saying per se reject him on that basis, I just think it’s a potential Najar/ Subotic/ Rossi thing where you can’t just assume he’s American and beat up on the coach for not bringing him in.

        I mean, this is actually a point where throwing his hat in the ring with the US might sell him. Our backs aren’t so good it’s decided. Goodson looks awful. But like with Donovanor Chandler I’m not sure how much Klinsi’s going to commit on an ambiguous situation.

    • John’s got quality for sure, but he’s made of glass. He’s one of the only players I see go to ground and don’t immediately think ‘Oh, he’s embellishing.’

      If he had managed to stay fit before his last January call-up he had to decline, I think it would be him partnering with Besler as CBs (and John would probably be playing in the Championship or EPL).

      Reply
  27. I do not see Eddie Johnson doing anything for us in the future and I really thing he is mediocre to bad. I would rather give his spot to someone else.

    -Altidore-

    Dempsey-Holden-Donovan

    -Jones-Bradley-

    Johnson-Besler-Gonzalez-Chandler

    -Howard-

    -Guzan

    -Cameron

    -Lichaj (he WILL impress at NF and I don’t think Cherundolo has a WC and another season in him)

    -Shea (hoping he does well at stoke) or Zusi

    -Corona or Zusi

    -Boyd (This could be Gomez, I am just worried about his injuries and age)

    -Torres (I really like him and think he will break out this year)

    -Zusi/Shea/Corona

    -Hamid (I do not know much about the third string keeper spot so i am just giving it to a young guy)

    -Edu

    -Mix

    -Tossup

    Young and Old mixed to give some players world cup experience while mostly relying on those who have proved themselves. Also hoping all injuries are over with.

    (I’m sorry if this appears three times, I just had to edit it because of wording issues. Im hoping that the past two are blocked by the moderator. If not, sorry!)

    Reply
    • I stopped reading after your first sentence. You may not be a big EJ fan but to call him mediocre to bad is just false unless you are living the past. He is playing extremely well right now and had a nice goal against Panama and nearly scored against Honduras. I still dont love him out wide but he has been ok there and up top he is a decent option

      Reply
      • His goal came through a beautiful Cameron assist. the only real credit he deserves is the run, which imo isnt a huge pat on the back. Zusi, Donovan, Corona, Boyd, Agudelo, torres, Gomez, Shea all are or have the potential to be better than Johnson, so why waste games on him. Remember, hes playing CONCACAF teams. The USA needs to take the next step forward in soccer.

      • So if I am understanding this right, you are essentially saying that his finish took no skill at all? That is so wrong that I don’t quite know how to respond to it other than by saying you are so wrong it is hilarious. Also that is great that some of those players have potential, potential can be shown at the club level, not the national team level. If you want to start people based off potential then we might as well start a bunch of 15 year olds cause their potential is massive.

      • Um, that goal was a world class finish. NO I’m not saying EJ is world class, but his first touch on that 40 yd pass was sublime, and the left footed finish was much tougher than he made it look.

        For my part I’d take EJ as a forward, drop Boyd, and add whichever of the more creative midfielders has a big year next year.

    • Bruce A is posting as Ramon and trying to convince everyone Magee really should have been traded.

      He is not going to make it, but I don’t know what you are laughing at….

      9……That is how many goals he has 1/2 way through the season.

      Reply
      • Wondo can score in MLS, but doesn’t mean he’s worth anything internationally. You gotta bring something else to the table to stick for a sustained run on the team.

      • Boyd has looked bad in his time with the US while Agudelo has actually performed. Not to mention Agudelo looked the better of the two on the olympic team

      • False and false.

        1.) Boyd hasn’t been bad. He made bad decisions against Germany because he desperately wanted to score. He looked a bit lazy against Italy, but he had no service at all since the US had 9 men behind the ball from the moment he came on.

        Other than that, Boyd’s been fine, considering he has limited minutes. He did have the game-winning assist against Mexico.

        2.) Boyd was underutilized in the Olympics and scored 2 goals in a single match when he was finally brought in. Agudelo wasn’t bad, but he got hurt in or before the 2nd match. He only really featured against a weak Cuba side.

        Might be worth knowing a little about things before you discuss them.

      • I don’t know if it’s more competitive that MLS. The top two teams last season finished with 82 and 77 points. Boyd’s Rapid Wien finished third with 57 points.

      • I think he meant with the general players skill level, not necessarily the actual table standings.

      • i would contest that both apply. 10 years ago? sure the austrian league was better, but the austrian league’s decline and mls’s ascent means we’ve overtaken them, talent-wise.

      • The Austrian league is not better than MLS. I hate to break it to the people here at SBI but not all European Leagues are better than MLS

      • Couldn’t agree more. We seem to always pump up players playing overseas even when the leagues are not great. Our love for Mix falls in this category (as does Boyd, Bedoya, Connor ?? in Denmark, etc). The Norwegian League is not to the level of MLS yet we cry for his inclusion. Same goes for Denmark, Sweden, etc. Do they pay better? sure. Are they a higher level? Doubt it.

      • True, but that shouldn’t be taken as a knock on Boyd.

        Rapid Vienna was not very good this year (by their standards a HUGE disappointment). I think it was the first year in a while they haven’t won the league (or else the first year they haven’t beaten Austria Wien). The fact is, Boyd did well for a 1st year pro on a subpar team that still managed 3rd.

        I only watched one game by stream of Rapid this season (Boyd scored in stoppage time and had an assist), but by all accounts he’s looked like a man among boys there. That said, he probably won’t move until another solid year.

        Remember… he was recruited to the USMNT when he was playing for Dortmund’s reserves and demolishing the competition.

      • I didnt mean it as a slight against Boyd but those who seem to think he deserves a spot over like someone like EJ just because he plays in Europe are the ones im talking to. I tire of people automatically believing all european leagues are better than MLS

      • i like Boyd a lot…as well as Agudelo. but i don’t agree that the Austrian league is definitely better than MLS.

      • Is the Austrian league really clearly superior to MLS as far as skill level? Obviously MLS isn’t Spain, Germany, England or Italy. But I don’t consider it inferior to mid to lower tier European leagues.

      • MLS is a better league than Austria. Honestly MLS does not get enough credit at all. What ends up hurting its perception is the talent is spread all around the league. Take all the talent in MLS and put it on 1-3 teams like every other league is organized. How good do you think those 1-3 teams “concentrated” MLS are?

        The other thing that hurts MLS is that the officiating is aweful. MLS refs basically allow you to assault people without even getting whistled which greatly increases injuries diminishing quality.

    • Could have to do with the fact that Agudelo was injured for a stretch….and have been traded back & forth across the country for the last 2 years.

      Reply
    • It’s 2-3 years later. I like Agudelo and think his crossing abilities and elusiveness could make him useful in a wing spot on this team — really think EJ is better than him playing well? — but he seems to be just playing out his contract and going through the motions before a transfer he seems to think will fix everything, and we have plenty of offensive talent, so that won’t necesssarily get him rewarded.

      Reply
      • MLS is of a higher caliber league than the Austrian Bundesliga. Case in point Hamdi Salihi who was a golden boot winner in the Austrian Bundesliga; couldn’t for the Life of him score goals in MLS.

        MLS is better, and it’s teams and players are better.

      • So MLS is better than the mexican league because Herc Gomez couldn’t cut it here but has done really well there…..

      • How do I put this…….if you have Jack I’s or Jozy’s stats the arguments make themselves. I think leagues start coming in when someone more mediocre wants to argue their 5 in a partial MLS season is better than 13 in a full Austrian season, or something like that. It’s better than Agudelo with 3 goals in a whole year last season, but the production is still modest enough where he can do no better than get into these “measurement contests” where we talk about which league is bigger to make excuses.

        If he wants to be on the team he’s got to step it up.

  28. Granted, we don’t have many forwards, but I don’t understand Boyd’s inclusion. So far he has been pretty awful for the national team, and he hasn’t exactly been setting Austrian Bundesliga on fire. And that league, by the way, was ranked 29th in Europe last year, below, among others, Israeli, Cyprus, and Azerbaijan leagues.

    Reply
    • That’s very interesting about the Austrian Bundesliga. I was under the impression that it was of higher quality than that. He did have some success in that league, I think he scored double digits, but I guess that success has to be taken with a grain of salt. Good info, thanks!

      Reply
    • Backheel, Mexico.

      I don’t think he’s been awful, he just hasn’t done much. There is a difference between Kljestan-esque bland mediocrity and being an awful player.

      I do think he will be pressed for a spot at this Gold Cup and if he doesn’t score in this platform he wil drop out as you suggest.

      Reply
      • Exactly. First season as a pro and was one of the top goalscorers in the league. If he continues to develop, he could be a great fourth forward to have on the bench next summer.

    • Boyd did play poorly (ie. squander some chances against Germany and fail to kill time during the dying moments), but the extenuating factor there is that he wanted desperately to score against his home country in limited minutes.

      He’s played pretty well for the US aside from his debut against Italy. He does have an assist for the senior team, and was one of the bright spots of the U-23s (where he scored several goals).

      Saying he’s been awful is so far from the truth that it’s laughable. JK has seen him in camp many times now, and I’m sure that he knows what he’s doing with Boyd considering Klinsmann is a former striker himself.

      Reply
  29. The 2009 Confed Cup roster had on it Charlie Davies, Freddy Adu, Conor Casey, Sacha Kljestan, Heath Pearce, Marvell Wynne, Luis Robles.

    by 2010 WC those roster spots belonged to Robbie Findlay, Edson Buddle, Maurice Edu, Stuart Holden, Steve Cherundolo, Clarence Goodson, Marcus Hahnemann

    My memory is fuzzy but I imagine the Confed Cup roster was an “A” team at the time so for one reason or another, things can change in a year. I assume Dolo was hurt in ’09 or else he would have been on that team.

    Reply
  30. Goalkeepers – no issues

    Defenders – definitely see JAB pushing out Goodson if he ultimately declares and gets integrated into the team.

    Midfielders – I just don’t see Edu making the team over Sacha Kljestan, especially coming off an injury and if Sacha has another very good season with Anderlecht. Holden will if he plays well in the GC and doesn’t get injured this season with Bolton.

    Forwards – Agree…definitely see Jack McInerney pushing for a spot.

    Reply
    • Sacha has had chance after chance after chance to make his mark at this level. And he has failed almost every time. He’s a central midfielder at this point so he’s competing against Holden, Corona, and maybe Mix.

      I think Edu is more of a defensive player so while they are theoretically competing for the same type of position, I think his competition is Williams.

      Reply
      • Hardly had a ton of chances as you imply, he’s made a few sub appearances (out wide) and one start in central midfield. That one start was also NOT alongside Bradley, who seems to make everyone he is partnered with play better, as well as being Kljestans preferred teammate in the middle. Now, has he been pretty underwhelming? I think so, but he hasn’t had nearly as many chances as a Mo Edu, Beckerman, or Williams.

      • +1 wow. Couldn’t have said it better myself, and I am a big fan. Yes, his performance was underwhelming in that game, and I think he’s capable of more. But I think he suffers from not being versatile.

        To his credit though, if we played a 4-3-3 (rather than the 4-4-1-1/4-2-3-1), I could see him playing at the top of a tighter midfield triangle (ya know, one that isn’t all box2box/DMs).

    • I think Goodson sux — he disappeared from the XI and before that struggled against teams like Russia (and I wouldn’t be surprised if Klinsi scouts a replacement) — but JAB can’t even decide he’s American. I also think including Dolo is a stretch with his injury issues and I’m unclear as to whether the Chandler is about injuries or rest, or whether we’ve come full circle back to dedication or loyalty again. Jones and FJ have to hop on the same length of plane trip at the same time, on top of B.1, to show up for us.

      F I think will depend a great deal on who shows at Gold Cup. If Boyd struggles and others excel, I am not sure he makes the team short term. He’s actually about Jozy’s age so at some point it has to convert into production. I expect Mcinerney and Bruin to make their own cases. Then there’s Donovan who could probably play up top. I look forward to that aspect of the Gold Cup because I think this will be a motivated bunch.g

      Reply
      • Regarding the back line, Dolo played the last couple of games for Hannover so he seems to have recovered and I suspect Klinsmann just didn’t want to risk bringing him back too soon. I imagine he’ll be playing regularly when the Bundesliga starts. If he is fit I think he has to be brought along. A forgotten man is Parkhurst who played extremely well in the Champions League, good enough to get the transfer to the Bundesliga where he sat on the bench. What if he starts playing regularly for Augsburg? He has to be considered then.

      • agree with everything you said, except just want to point out that dolo excused (recused?) himself from these qualifiers, not klinsmann.

        it was actually reported on this site, and it was a whole big thing, what with donovan currently in usmnt purgatory for taking his own leave of absence.

      • When I said “issues” as opposed to “issue,” it was actually intentional, it’s like we’re getting to the point where he’s hurt every few months. I think we’re dealing with a player in physical decline and as with Boca, it’s not quite clear if he can hack it or stay healthy enough.

        Put differently, this is arguably different than Jones getting a concussion in game play, you have to wonder if it’s something more chronic. A lot of us would play soccer forever but the reality is your body breaks down and it ceases to matter what you were, it’s what you can now deliver.

        I think he’ll have something to prove if he gets another call.

    • “especially coming off an injury”

      it’s 2013 and it’s a minor injury. this injury has no effect on his chances of making the WC.

      Reply
    • I hope we don’t bring Edu bit not for Sacha. I figure that With Cameron and Stu both able to play that position, Mo becomes obsolete. I’d rather see a potential ichange of pace sub like Gatt or Shea. This roster is crying for that speedy pace changer off the bench.

      Reply
      • why are you convinced that Gatt or Holden will be able to deliver in a World Cup? Has Gatt done anything at any international level? Joe Gyau is fast too, but I certainly wouldnt be claiming hes an answer for anything yet…Cameron had one good game against Panama and that makes Edu “obsolete”? Can the US afford to write off players as “obsolete”? Im not comfrtable “writing off” Bocanegra! We need the roster as deep as pssoble. If that means keeping Edu in the mix along with Cameron, then great. Or if Gatt or Holden can show something consistent at international level, then great. But of all that youve named, only Edu and Sacha have played in a world cup.

    • Best case for JAB… he has a beast of a start to the Bundesliga season, plays for the Nats on a FIFA date in February 2014, excels, then makes the WC squad as a backup.

      Reply
  31. I think the #3 keeper should be an up and comer…like Tally Hall.

    Brooks would be nice if he elects us as his country … but that seems more like Hargreaves opting for Canada.

    Castillo, Shea need continued club form (Castillos a good Gold Cup).

    I am definitely a minority voice but I was rather unimpressed by Eddie Johnson during the June campaign. I think his role and Herc’s will be supplanted by rising youth like McInerney or Shea or Augello.

    Reply
      • it only looks that way because eddie’s been playing out of position. he’s a striker, not a mid (or even really a winger).

      • Agudelo plays the exact positions EJ does… striker or wing.

        That said, he’s not bumping EJ off the roster at present. If anyone loses his spot to Agudelo, it will be Gomez. If Herc is healthy and in form, he should be there… but he’s not getting any younger, he’s changing clubs, and injuries are starting to pile up.

    • no, not Shea. Shea has only been good when brought on for the last 10-15 minutes of a match. He couldn’t even make it onto the bench at Stoke much of the time. I know he has his boosters, especially over at ESPNFC, but he just isn’t that good.

      Reply
      • I disagree. Having a bench player that can come in and make a difference in the last quarter of the game is a huge boon. Shea wasn’t given a lot of playing time last year because I was still coping with injuries and honestly wasn’t really brought on to get immediate playing time. If he’s able to impress the new coach at Stoke and get consistent playing time, he will be in Brazil. He brings skills and attributes to the table that other players in the pool just don’t.

      • Shea is definitely on the outside looking in at the moment but no reason he can’t play himself back into the mix. Klinsmann is obviously a fan so he will be given a chance before its all said and done. I’ve never really been a huge Shea fan but if he plays well next season he has a great chance to compete for a roster spot.

      • I’m certainly not going to sing Brek’s endless praises, but the fact is, when he’s been on, he’s had some amazing moments for the US. Remember that win at Azteca?

        That said, you can’t judge Brek on his time at Stoke. Pulis had a solid first half of the season and expected to be around for 13/14. He saw an opportunity to buy Brek for less than he was worth (due to injury) as an asset for the next season. Then, Stoke had a crappy 2nd half (contended with relegation for a bit) and Brek never had a chance to break into the squad, plus he was still dealing with nagging foot issues.

        You can bet he’s ready to prove his worth at this point, and the more EPL PT he gets, the better he’ll be for it. Let’s hope he gets back into the USMNT mix, because he’s one of the more creative “true” wingers we’ve got. He can do what EJ does (dribble to the touchline, ground cross) as well as put in actual crosses and shots from distance.

    • Really like his game when I saw him play for the youth call ups.

      I haven’t seen much of him since being in Philly but I always thought he had “flair” that most Americans do not. Excited that he’s progressing.

      Reply
      • I wouldnt say he has flair. More so solid fundamentals. Makes goods runs, looks for open space, pretty good first touch. Hope he continues to grow.

    • I think Klinsi is a score for me type and so he’ll get his shot like the rest of them and we’ll see who produces.

      Reply
  32. Aside from being left footed, I don’t see any value that Castillo brings to THIS squad.

    I say this from a perspective that I supported his entry to the squad to see “what he has”. Unfortunately, I just haven’t seen enough from him to warrant his addition.

    To be honest, I thought Lichaj looked A LOT better in the last Gold Cup at LB, opposite Cherundolo. Whether or not Lichaj can find consistent play and find his way on the to the US Coaches radar is another story.

    Reply
    • depth. castillo’s obviously not starting for us, but in an injury situation, he can play anywhere on the left.

      and i think, regardless of skill or form, ives is leaving lichaj off until klinsmann calls him up.

      Reply
      • Yea, I’m not counting on Lichaj finding his way into the picture but I don’t know how Castillo adds depth, other than adding a literal body.

        Every minute I’ve seen of him with the Nats in recent memory has left nothing memorable other than a lot to be desired. I think there’s other, more viable “bodies” that can fill that void.

        It won’t bother me but he wouldn’t make my roster if I were putting the team together.

      • Has he really played enough lately for you to be able to make that assessment though? Yes, he was terrible against Germany, but there were extenuating circumstances there. I want to see him get a bit more time. If FJ is going to be playing left mid, I want two other guys I can rely on at LB.

    • Totally agree. Lichaj tore it up in Gold Cup. Klinsman doesn’t seem to value outside defenders whose core competency is defending. Rather than taking natural instinctual defenders who have potential to grow and improve in attacking, he seems to prefer natural attackers who are trying to learn how to defend. Beasley and Castillo are both more more inclined attacking midfield positions, and both give me a stroke every game with their positioning and decision-making. 2002 Steve Cherundolo wouldn’t see the light of day on this team. His last decade or so in Germany allowed him to develop the bombing runs up the flank that we’re accustomed to now. I’m concerned in general that rather than seeing the back four as the foundation of the team, Klinsi seems them primarily as accessory to the attack.

      However, I guess I’d still take everyone on our missed the cut list over Jeff Agoos (a natural defender), so prioritizing speed and skill isn’t exactly the end of the world.

      Reply
    • We definitely don’t play a 4-3-3, and the 4-2-3-1 is basically a 4-4-2 with Dempsey withdrawn instead of level with Altidore.

      Reply
      • i agree with your take on our formation, although against Honduras, it actually did look like a 4-2-3-1. Our other games recently have been much more 4-4-2.

        I don’t see Shea being excluded from the final roster. I would move Eddie Johnson up to a forward role and remove TBoyd, fwiw.

  33. He played well against Panama, but I’m not sold on Eddie Johnson being a full time midfielder.

    Also, I think Mix Diskerud should be on the Missed the cut list for midfielders. He is having a great season in Norway and I think he will show well at the gold cup, possibly putting himself in front of options like Kljestan, Williams and Torres.

    Reply
    • I agree. I’ve been a big fan of Mix’s for a couple seasons. I think he takes the Gold Cup challenge by the scruff of the neck and proves to Klinsi that he deserves a better look. I don’t think he gets ahead of Bradley or Jones at this stage. But I do think he can challenge for a spot alongside Corona and Holden, if given the chance.

      I’d be interested in seeing a three midfield tandem of Corona, Holden, and Mix this Gold Cup. Albeit, I’m sure Klinsi will start Beckerman.

      Reply
      • To be fair, such a midfield tandem lacks a defensive mid. Corona and Holden could be the wide players in a diamond–with Beckerman at DMid–but that probably doesn’t utilize Holden to the best of his abilities and might diminish service from the wings.

    • I 100% agree that Eddie Johnson is not a real full time midfielder for the USMNT. Eddie Johnson is super athletic and had decent finishing ability. This is enough for a midfielder to be effective in Concacafe but his lack of skills in crossing and touch make him to one dimensional against better competition.

      Reply
      • Maybe I’m optimistic, but I think Eddie Johnson is finally/truly on the up. I was pleasantly surprised to see him do many of the little things, that I didn’t think he was capable of.. I also recall several good crosses from him. If Zusi is the starter, I think Johnson is a key 70th min sub.

      • And yet I think he’s still got so far to go. I really don’t like playing him on the wing. He can do some good things – primarily getting behind the defense, of course – but he still leaves so much to be desired in his defending and passing. I am hoping that Shea can regain his form and take that spot from EJ, because he offers more as a winger. We really need to try to send crosses in to Jozy and Clint as much as possible.

  34. There will be some good players left at home next summer, no doubt about it. Especially in the midfield. I am really looking forward to the Gold Cup this year. The US has as strong a “B-team” as I can remember. One could project a pretty strong starting 11 from the players in the preliminary roster.

    Reply
    • I think the Gold Cup will have a lot to say about 3rd keeper and the last forward slot he’s giving to Boyd. I like Boyd but he now steps into the Jozy/Wondo/Twellman shoes of needing to prove he can score for us, and there will be some other decent forwards at Gold Cup wanting to show they are the ones being overlooked. I also think calling in 6 keepers recently, and having a few of the non-quali guys back for Gold Cup, is a sign that we are at least trying to work on the back end of the GK chart, even if he’s not changing the 3rd keeper yet.

      Reply
      • I think a solid Gold Cup all but locks up the 3rd keeper spot for Rimando. He seems to have been Klinsmann’s favorite from the start and the young guys really haven’t done anything to suggest they have to go. I don’t like bringing a young GK just because he is young and promising. Johnson and Hamid both fit that billing but neither has really shown the promise that Howard and Guzan did before them as the next great American keeper. Rimando will be a solid locker room guy to have around.

        Agree with you on the Boyd situation though. I think hes a good player and will earn his spot in the end, but a good Gold Cup from one of the other strikers puts them neck and neck in my book. Boyd hasn’t really gotten the chance to shine yet but he will have to prove his worth by next summer or risks being left off.

  35. I’d be interested to look back at 2009, 2005, etc., and see what the projections would have been back then, a year out from the World Cup.

    This is a good projection, based on what we know now. But you just know that so much will change in a year’s time. It always does.

    Reply
    • I think it’s safe to say there are always one or two head scratchers that get brought out of left field. Plus, there are always injuries and poor form before the Cup.

      Reply
    • Well at the very least Davies, Holden, and Gooch were probably listed as surefire attendees… not injured. : (

      In related news, Findley made a late push, as did Casey.

      I also don’t remember if demerit was involved a year out… but I probably should.

      Reply
      • Good point. I think this is a perfect example of the better depth and quality on the roster now compared to then.

    • Until the tickets are printed, it’s conjecture. it’s FUN conjecture, but conjecture nevertheless.

      I’m still a little concerned about the back line, not so much in terms of qualifying, but in terms of international play. Belgium made our defense look silly, and the 3rd goal that Germany scored was equally humbling.

      It’s the speed of play and the ability to see three seconds ahead that our back line needs to become accustomed to by next June if we hope to make a deep run. I don’t know how much they’ll see that as a group or in their respective leagues, even in friendlies where folks are usually at full throttle.

      Reply

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