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Klinsmann names 30-player USMNT preliminary World Cup squad

USMNTStartingXI1-MexicoAprilFriendly (Getty)

By ISIPhotos.com

By IVES GALARCEP

Timmy Chandler, Joe Corona and DeAndre Yedlin were among the 30 players named to the preliminary U.S. Men’s National Team World Cup roster released by Jurgen Klinsmann on Monday.

Clint Dempsey, Tim Howard, Landon Donovan and Michael Bradley headline the 30-player preliminary U.S. Men’s National Team World Cup roster submitted to FIFA on Monday.

Among the notable omissions are Eddie Johnson, Juan Agudelo and Tim Ream.

Here is the full preliminary U.S. World Cup roster:

USMNT PRELIMINARY WORLD CUP ROSTER

GOALKEEPERS (3) : Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)

DEFENDERS (11) : DaMarcus Beasley (Puebla), Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), John Brooks (Hertha Berlin), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City), Timmy Chandler (Nürnberg), Brad Evans (Seattle Sounders FC), Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy), Clarence Goodson (San Jose Earthquakes), Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim), Michael Parkhurst (Columbus Crew), DeAndre Yedlin (Seattle Sounders FC)

MIDFIELDERS (10) : Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Alejandro Bedoya (Nantes), Michael Bradley (Toronto FC), Joe Corona (Club Tijuana), Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo), Mix Diskerud (Rosenborg), Maurice Edu (Philadelphia Union), Julian Green (Bayern Munich), Jermaine Jones (Besiktas), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City)

FORWARDS (6) : Jozy Altidore (Sunderland), Terrence Boyd (Rapid Vienna), Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders FC), Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy), Aron Johannsson (AZ Alkmaar), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)

———-

The USMNT kicks off training camp on Wednesday at Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif. The team will train for the next two weeks before facing Azerbaijan in a friendly at Candlestick Park on May 27 in the first of three matches in the U.S. team’s World Cup sendoff series.

The final 23-player World Cup roster is due to FIFA by June 2, which means Klinsmann will likely announce his squad after the U.S. plays Turkey at Red Bull Arena on June 1.

What do you think of the squad? Who are you most surprised to see make the team? Who are you shocked to see left out?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. Edu is a great player, but like most of the professional American players, they are not challenged or stimulated in their teams nor when they play matches because the American Teams are so damn bad. I know the Philly Union can’t even execute basic soccer skills like “Give and Go” or putting pressure on the opposing player with the ball. Good players should play overseas to better develop their skills. And we should recruit from overseas to better develop our own professional programs until we are able to develop better homegrown players.

    Reply
  2. FYI: MLS teams losing the following players to 30-man preliminary squads:

    Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake)
    Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)
    Alvaro Saborio (Real Salt Lake)
    (no Joao Plata to Ecuador)

    Brad Evans (Seattle Sounders FC)
    DeAndre Yedlin (Seattle Sounders FC)
    Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders FC)

    Victor Bernardez (San Jose Earthquakes)
    Clarence Goodson (San Jose Earthquakes)
    Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)

    Giancarlo Gonzalez (Columbus Crew)
    Waylon Francis (Columbus Crew)
    Michael Parkhurst (Columbus Crew)

    Julio Cesar (Toronto FC)
    Michael Bradley (Toronto FC)

    Roy Miller (Red Bull New York)
    Tim Cahill (Red Bull New York)

    Oscar Garcia (Houston Dynamo)
    Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo)

    Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy)
    Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy)

    Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City)
    Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City)

    Marvin Chavez (Colorado Rapids)

    Jerry Bengtson (New England Revolution)

    Steven Beitashour (Vancouver Whitecaps)

    That’s 12 MLS teams losing at least one player for at least the camp.

    Reply
    • P.S. I think that list is complete. Not all countries have announced their rosters and FIFA won’t publish them until the 16th.

      Reply
    • Who do you think will suffer most during their players’ absence? There’s no question in my mind: Real Salt Lake. Losing its heart (Beckerman), soul (Rimando), and top scorer (Saborio). Brutal.

      Reply
      • Real and Seattle. Martins should keep up the scoring but the games will be a lot closer and they will spend a lot more time defending(badly).

    • I wonder how Iranians feel about Beitashour being born and raised in California.
      Death to America… except Steve. Steve is cool.

      Reply
      • meh… pretty sure just the government and radicals feel that way… most Iranians are nice people who just live in a country that has limited freedom… half of the Iranian population is either not overly devout muslim or is Christian, Bahai and Zoroastrian in private.

      • Ya, Iran is weird. Their government is pretty radical but you almost never hear about free range terrorists causing trouble in other countries. I think its because the Radical Islam that causes most of the problems in primarily Arab in its source. Persians and Arabs don’t exactly get along.

        Although, there was an Iranian(Had that passport) that blew his feet off with a grenade in Bangkok about 2 years ago.

      • I should say That I like that he is going. It’s good relations that humanize both sides of the argument. Americans and Iranians become actual people instead of semi fictional apparitions of evil.

  3. Here is a question. Which, if any, young American player in MLS do you think will get an offer from a big-time league (Spain, Germany, England, or Italy)?

    I say DeAndre Yedlin, and even further, in the Bundesliga.

    Reply
    • Do you mean out of this 30-man roster or the whole MLS?

      Because if it’s limited to this roster, then only Omar Gonzalez and DeAndre Yedlin qualify as “young American players in MLS.”

      Reply
  4. Why is everyone assuming Edu has a lock in the 23? If anything I think he has one of the toughest task in front of him trying to unseat both Beckerman and Mix for a spot on the 23.

    Reply
    • He’s strong and fast. More than decently dangerous getting forward and on set pieces.

      He couldn’t get on the field for Stoke for whatever reason, but people forget he played for Rangers for four season, and apparently played well in the Champions League for them. I’d take both Bekerman and Edu. in a 4-5-1 I push MB forward with license to do whatever he wants. Bekerman may be your choice if you play a lone defensive midfielder ( that’s how I understand he plays at RSL), i.e. if you play an “offensive” 4-4-2 with MB at the top of the diamond like they did against Mexico.

      But given the worries at CB, and the quality of the midfields in the Group, a 4-5-1 with MB up top and Jones and Edu as defensive midfielders is probably the most athletic, disruptive, and most experienced against top flight opponents of a midfield Klinsman can put on.

      Reply
      • I also think a Jones/Edu defensive midfield with MB disrupting up top means you are more likely to see Gonzo at CB rather than getting replaced by Cameron, or having Cameron out wide if Chandler doesn’t pan out. Having Altidore, MB, Jones, Edu and Gonzo on the field at the same time on set pieces could be a bruising experience for the other side.

  5. Bayern Munich Reserves = 4th division in Germany…Green is probably the worst pick up of the group. He didn’t earn it, it was given it to him by Klinsman.

    Klinsman is always saying players need to be playing at the highest form….Last I checked, playing in a reserve league isn’t considered to be the best….Oh wait, he’s German so that will do instead.

    Reply
    • “Bayern Munich Reserves = 4th division in Germany…”

      Question: Where else would you expect Bayern to field players who are not good enough to take a roster spot away from Ribery, Alcantara, Gotze, et al., but are good enough that Bayern doesn’t want to sell them or send them out on long-term loan?

      Reply
      • So just because he is in Bayern Munich’s reserve squad he is better than what we have? The kid barely even plays and all the sudden 2 months before the world cup, he get’s a roster spot? The game he did get called up, he was scared. I can only imagine what he will be like on a big stage…

        Klinsman preached about players getting 1st team exposure…if they didn’t, they wouldn’t get called up…

      • Scared and Nervous are two different things. Green was nervous, which is to be expected at 18 years old with many wondering and judgmental eyes watching you on your NT debut. Against Mexico. A scared player doesn’t try to take on two defenders and (nearly) drawing a penalty in the process among other positive runs down the left flank. While he had his “raw” moments, he was anything but scared.

      • And don’t forget, when he did take on those two defenders, and faked them both out on the very edge of the box, he did it with a separated shoulder.

        It was an amazing move, there is not another player on the USMNT that could even come close to what he did. Please, go to utube or someplace and look at it again. Pay attention to Julian’s control of the ball while he was in tune with both defenders positions and how he put them in the exact spot he needed to make such a move. Fantastic.

      • What about Adu, DIrk? Couldn’t Adu do dat? By the way Dirk where would you place Adu in the top 30?

      • Observation: You didn’t answer my question. Instead, you assumed a whole lot about what I think and asked a bunch more questions based on those assumptions.

        Just answer my question.

      • Not answering because he knows you’re right. This will be the similar to LAGals2, except they’ll be playing in USL PRO (3rdish vs 4th tier).

      • I can’t tell the poster “Observation” and biff apart. They must be twins………….or something.

    • I just wanna throw this out there. I think Donovan was on Bayer Leverkusen II when he got his first call up. I’m not sure when he switched to the MLS though.
      And while researching it I learned that Donovan paralyzed a guy? Sounds accidental but he died later?

      But it looks like he had 1 full season in the MLS before the WC. Bayer II would be in either the 3rd or 4th division in Germany. I dunno how well the MLS would compare to the German 3rd tier at that point in time.

      Reply
  6. Blast from the past
    Nice vid of USMNT 2002 WC
    link to youtube.com
    Great spirit w/ that team. Ernie Stewart had a great positive attitude as the captain. Tony Sanneh great defensive presence. Pablo Mastroeni was the original “dread” head. Donovan had hair and speed to burn. Beasley looked about 13 yrs old. John O’Brien, Clint Mathis, games vs Portugal, Poland, South Korea, Mexico and Germany. It’s cool if you have the time.

    Reply
  7. Not saying I agree with it.. but this is likely how we will line-up on June 16th…

    Howard
    Cameron / Gonzo / Besler / Beasley

    Jones / Bradley
    Zusi Dempsey

    Donovon or Bacon
    Altidore

    Reply
    • F Johnson for Beasley if you like… either can play the LW role… how well.. we shall see.

      Dempsey will always cut in so you need an overlapping burner on the left

      Reply
  8. I’d say Wondo (or Boyd), Yedlin, Davis, Corona, Mix, and Green don’t make the final 23…..Yedlin and Green the obvious youngsters getting a chance at experience for the next cycle….Mix is just too inconsistent but could still make it as a sub….Davis is a step slow…Corona is also too inconistent….

    Reply
      • Hey everyone, remember me? The guy who scored 9 in his last 10 games for the US? The guy who everyone hates after netting three goals in the last two games against South Korea and Mexico? Well, I’m cleaning out my roster to report to camp in two days and you’re reading this at work, hoping your boss doesn’t stop by your cubicle.

        Suck it long and suck it hard,
        Chris

      • for comparison
        Nice vid of USMNT 2002 WC
        http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hzbmDRsgxg
        Great spirit w/ that team. Ernie Stewart had a great positive attitude as the captain. Tony Sanneh great defensive presence. Pablo Mastroeni was the original “dread” head. Donovan had hair and speed to burn. Beasley looked about 13 yrs old. John O’Brien, Clint Mathis, games vs Portugal, Poland, South Korea, Mexico and Germany. It’s cool if you have the time.

      • JayAre, when you say “we,” then yeah “we” aren’t playing anyone in the WC because, unlike *me*, *you* didn’t make camp.

        P.S. Have fun at work today!

      • Wondo deserves to go…but LD’s experience and Clint’s hot form are his biggest threats for making the 23 man roster. Given Klinsi can easily push Clint and LD up ( particularly Clint right now), I think Wondo may get sacrificed for additional flexibility in the midfield.

  9. Would much rather have seen Ream than Yedlin or a couple of others on this list. Player of the year at a championship club is nothing to sniff at especially when we have no idea who’s going to be with Besler.

    Reply
  10. I realize Green and Agudelo don’t play the same position but how do you take a kid who’s only had two minutes of play above the fourth division instead of Juan? I guess that’s what happens when you have a US coach who thinks US players aren’t good enough.

    Reply
    • Agudelo is not ahead of any of the other forwards named and does not do anything unique that would differentiate him situationally. That’s why he isn’t there. Green is a burner with ball skills who can play centrally and on the wings. We don’t have anyone else like that in the midfield. That’s why he is in the 30 and probably why he will be in the 23. This has nothing to do with where players grew up. Yes, Green is young and unproven. But that does not mean that he is naive and unskilled. The notion that JK would risk results based on geography is baseless.

      Reply
      • Green is a youth prospect who plays in the fourth division. Bayern Munich reserves is not the same as Bayern Munich. When Agudelo was Green’s age, he was playing at a higher level than Green is now. Again, I know it isn’t a like for like comparison but come on. I never said Green is naive or unskilled but I don’t see any evidence that he’s ready for prime time. Maybe next cycle.

      • I don’t think that you can say Green “plays in the fourth division”
        Yes he PLAYED in the fourth division, and now he is with the 1st team. No he has not played much for the first team, but he has not been with FC Bayern Munich II. for a while now.

      • And also hes not a youth prospect, he has signed a professional contract to play with the first team.

        you are very full of hyperbole.

      • He has made one two minute appearance for the first team. Otherwise, all of his appearances have been for Bayern II in the fourth division. He is absolutely a youth prospect.

        Shouldn’t you need more than two minutes of playing time with the first team before you go with the USMNT to the world cup? Everyone’s so desperate for a savior. Ironically, I’m here talking about Agudelo missing the squad and a few years he was the one everyone was hyping.

      • He certainly does not have experience on his side, but the club that won champions league last year, won the Bundesliga the last 2 years, and went to the semifinals of champions league this year counts him among their top 30 players…..

        I guess he must have won a contest and was put on the roster for Charity?

    • slow, you answered your own question. they don’t play the same position. JK works in depth by position. On the wings, you have the following:

      LM: (Landon), Davis, Zusi, Green
      RM: Bedoya, Corona, Green

      Who else is in consideration for a wing position, aside from Shea? I honestly wouldn’t know. Green is at the bottom of the pecking orders, but he is not in competition with Agudelo.

      Agudelo is facing this:
      Dempsey
      Donovan
      Johannsson
      Altidore
      Boyd
      Wondo

      Personally, I would have preferred to see Agudelo called over one of the right backs called in (Yedlin, Evans, Parkhurst), where there are a lot vying for position. But, its apples and oranges….

      Reply
    • I like Green, but that doesn’t mean he’s ready for a spot in the 30 or 23.
      JK has a bias towards Germans, like an Italian, Spanish or French coach might have a bias towards players from those leagues. it’s what he knows, it’s where his contacts are, it’s his native language, etc.etc. A different coach would have different biases.
      I think JK has done positive things w/ the Nats, I also think JK talks mostly BS when explaining his decisions.

      Reply
  11. 1. Evans
    2. Wondo
    3. Parkhurst
    4. Davis
    5. Mix
    6.Edu
    7.Goodson or Gonzalez

    Yedlin could provide an offensive spark off the bench and he’d be a better RM than rb. Klinsi likes to tinker so I could see Klinsi move him to RM

    Reply
    • I think it looks more like:

      1)Parkhurst
      2)Yedlin
      3)Evans
      4)Wondo
      5)Davis
      6)Green
      7)Mix

      I’m taking Mix because he didn’t start in the GC final and Corona did.

      Reply
  12. According to an article on ESPN, Klinsmann sees Landon as a “pure forward” on this roster. The article does not contain a quote from Klinsmann to this effect, so it’s not clear precisely the language he used. However, if this is accurate, it would seem Landon may be unlike to start, given Klinsmann’s preference for a lone target striker. Can’t see Landon being alone up top with our style of play.

    Reply
    • I saw that too, could mean one of several things:
      -He’s Dempseys backup
      -We may play more 4-4-2 than we have in the past
      -JK doesn’t think LDs current fitness or form is good enough to play both ways in MF
      -LD doesn’t make the 23
      -JK could change his mind

      Take your pick

      Reply
    • I’ve watched 3 or 4 Galaxy games this year. Donovan has looked average, at best. And I think I’m being kind in my assessment. If LD doesn’t step up in the next two weeks, he may get cut, leaving Zusi, Bedoya, Corona and Green as the outside mids that make the final roster. If AJ’s ankle doesn’t heal up, that may leave a spot for LD.

      Reply
      • Yo Bum, I’ve only seen them twice this year and to me they just looked like a disjointed squad, the whole team just looked fair to poor…
        I’d trust your take over most, is LD not sharp, not getting chances, is he pressing too much to get that goal….what do u think…
        The 2 games I saw he showed some bursts here and there, but didn’t look in sync with the team- even with Keane…. but it wasn’t just him, nobody looked in sync…

      • I’d agree with Arena that LD was the best player on the field in Portland. Started average then just began to take over. Last week in Salt Lake City he impressed as the game wore on again, looked like he let the speed go full throttle and did it late. He’s peaking his form for the WC, my opinion.

        I saw him look out of shape and looking unwilling to cut the speed loose throughout the beginning of the season. I think he was afraid to get hurt or was unsure of his fitness and I was questioning him myself on this board.

  13. So which seven do YOU cut?

    I think:
    1. Yeldin
    2. Corona
    3. Brooks
    4. Boyd
    5. Green
    6. Evans
    7. Parkhurst

    Reply
    • I think it looks more like:

      1)Parkhurst
      2)Yedlin
      3)Evans
      4)Wondo
      5)Davis
      6)Green
      7)Mix

      I’m taking Mix because he didn’t start in the GC final and Corona did.

      Reply
  14. All things considered, I like the choices JK has made with this roster. He clearly stated what his expectations were to be selected, and also made inclusions to make each roster spot competitive. I think we are all in agreement that JK needs to select a team that can compete given our difficult draw, regardless of personal or philosophical differences.
    – I sense the plethora of choices for outside back gives JK potential options with Cameron.
    – Given our tough draw, one can hope Chandler is ready and fully committed. Irregardless of the past, he’s a solid choice given the other option options
    – Yedlin is a slight surprise, but he brings athleticism and speed as an outside option, which is lacking in this pool for outside back.
    – It was a foregone conclusion that J Green would make this 30-man list, but he faces some competition to secure a MF spot. Corona, despite his recent lack of playing time, hopefully should give Green a run. I don’t see Davis as having the pace to compete at this competitive level.
    – Diskerud appears to be the only other true insurance option for CAM behind Bradley. I cannot see Edu or Beckerman filling that role if Bradley cannot play for whatever reason.
    – JK may only need one of Edu or Beckerman for CDM to back up Jones. I’m betting on Edu, given our draw. We need a no-nonsense defender to disrupt the attack, and Edu is better suited for that role. And as is usual for Edu, he steps it up and trains seriously when the WC rolls around.
    – Donovan may be listed as a forward here, but my money is he is slotted for MF duty. I expect he may be paired with Bedoya on the wings, as they are the best 2-way wing MFs in the pool.
    – Donovan’s as a MF reduces the current pool. Probably only one of Davis, Green or Corona gets to go.
    – Dempsey is the heir apparent to start up top. Who best complements Dempsey as the strike partner? And how many strikers do we need? I’d go with Altidore, Johannsson and Boyd in that order.

    Reply
      • I see Corona more likely as competing against Green and Davis. JK sees weaknesses in both of those options (inexperience, pace). I see Mix having the advantage of being the best option in the middle if we lose MB, our most indispensable player. He is a stronger two-way player in the middle than Corona today.

      • i don’t think so honestly. Green isn’t really competing with anyone. if he shows well in camp, he’s in with a golden ticket.

        Davis is there to show he can bring something to the 23, but that’s extremely unlikely given LD, FJ, Zusi, and Bedoya (all of whom are locks) can play LM.

        yes, Corona is capable of playing on the wing and so it seems logical that he will compete directly with Davis. but assuming Davis is out, Corona still doesn’t have a spot if Mix is there. so that puts them in direct competition since they both prefer that creative CM position.

    • I have been thinking this about Killa Cam too. If Fabian and Chandler do what they should, and secure the two fullback spots, are we really going to have Cam on the bench? Surely he’ll be getting some looks at CB, maybe even CDM.

      Reply
      • If F Johnson and Chandler perform in camp, then Cameron can possibly push for a starting CB role. I don’t see him at CDM except in specific game situations. JK may sub in a CB and push Cam up as another CDM to protect a lead late in the game.

      • also, don’t forget that Chandler can play LB. Klinsmann could decide to use Chandler at LB with Besler/Omar at CB and Cameron at RB. that allows FJ to be used at LM and will leave one of LD/Zusi/Bedoya to start at RM.

      • It all depends on the impressions in the camp. JK has multiple options. I am assuming Cameron may start over Gonzales in the middle, and Johnson stays on defense. Maybe JK has enough confidence in Gonzales to push Cameon to the wing, and then push Johnson forward. That would be ideal, provided Gonzales steps up. That leaves Donovan an option for striker or midfield.

  15. Definite Cuts:
    Yedlin
    Davis
    Evans

    Competition Cuts:
    Mix or Corona
    Wondo or Boyd
    Parkhurst or Brooks

    No. 7 cut I can’t predict.. but may be driven by the health of Chandlers knee, AJs ankle, DMBs hammy, or Greens shoulder….

    Why these predictions?
    -He will keep the 4 CM’S, plus either Mix or Corona
    -Not gonna bring too many RBs
    -He’s got Fabian listed as a Def, don’t forget he can play RB also
    -Cam starts camp in the middle, Omars fitness and form up in the air

    Reply
    • A agree with about Yedlin and Davis. Although, Davis’s ability to provide accurate set piece service may be coveted by JK late in a match. I also think JK seems to really like Evans, for whatever reason. Versatile and usually solid maybe? I think you are spot on about Mix or Corona. I think both Wondo and Boyd go. I’d rather see the final battle for a spot you mentioned be between Goodson and Brooks. I tried to come up with my 7 to cut and just can’t do it. Too many variables in place. Some tough decisions ahead.

      Reply
      • Ok this who I’d cut, not who I think JK will cut: D. Beasley, B. Evans, C. Goodson, D. Yedlin, M. Diskerud, J. Green, and B. Davis.

      • Kodi, yea it’s tough, that’s why he gets paid and we all get to pretend to know what we’re talking bout…
        First, health will play a major role..
        Then, he already has depth charts and scenarios workin…
        You mentioned a few players he likes and why… but you know what he likes more than any of the players??
        WINNING…

  16. Goalkeepers:
    Tim Howard, Brad Guzan, Nick Rimando

    Defenders:
    DaMarcus Beasley, Matt Besler, John Brooks, Geoff Cameron , Timmy Chandler, Omar Gonzalez, Fabian Johnson, DeAndre Yedlin

    Midfielders:
    Alejandro Bedoya, Michael Bradley, Joe Corona, Julian Green, Jermaine Jones, Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan, Graham Zusi,(Kyle Beckerman or Maurice Edu,)
    Forwards:
    Jozy Altidore, Terrence Boyd, Aron Johannsson

    Reply
    • Johannsson is already dealing with an ankle injury and has missed his last 3 matches. Something he’s been carrying for awhile, along with a petty drastic drop off in production. If he doesn’t get to 100% or has a poor camp, I can see him missing the 23.

      Reply
  17. Why does everyone think Goodson won’t make final 23? Gonzales has been terrible, and Goodson has been solid in every USMNT performance. I think they both make the final 23, but Goodson probably plays well before Gonzales

    Reply
    • I think Goodson is on the plane . . . curious as to why others don’t see him making it myself. He is probably better than Gonzalez right now. Better than JAB right now (JAB is just too mistake prone). One more thing is that Goodson is good in the box. If you need a late goal, he might actually be the guy coming off of the bench instead of a striker.

      Reply
      • He might be ahead of Omar and JAB and make it, but there is no shot in a game where we need a late goal that we bring on Goodson to head one in

      • I believe you HAVE to take Goodson to Brazil. He has not (maybe never was) spectacular – but he is typically steady. This is the opposite of Gonzalez – especially given Gonzalez’s recent form.

    • I see Omar being the odd man out as far as the central guys go. A little surprised to see Brooks. I thought Ream was going to sneak in there…. It’s gotta be Besler, Brooks and Goodson as your three central guys with Cameron being able to provide coverage there as well… Goodson has shown to be more reliable that Omar. I also think Beasley is going to be a surprise cut and Yedlin is going to benefit from that which I think also costs Chandler his spot…. I think the 3 walkers from the defense are Beasley, Chandler and Gonzalez.

      I think the three in the middle that will end up on the short end of the stick are Davis, Edu and probably Green. Green is just too much of an unkown with no real professional playing time to speak of… I can’t imagine him getting time in a World Cup when all he has experience wise, is a couple of token minutes in one game that was already decided and an international “freindly” albeit against Mexico…

      And the walkers up top. It pains me to say it but I just don’t think Wondo makes it. Good for the ‘Quakes though.

      BArring injuries, those are the seven guys I see missing out on the plane ticket to Brazil.

      Reply
  18. My prediction for the 7 cut:

    Evans, Goodson, Yedlin, Corona, Davis, Diskerud, Wondolowski

    In a camp setting, Chandler will beat out Evans and Yedlin.

    With the flexibility of many others on the backline, I see Goodson as an odd man out, though if he goes instead of Brooks that would make sense too.

    Corona is a bit out of left field, but I don’t see who he necessarily goes over. Davis has a great left foot, but against the teams we play he will never get a ball off. If he makes the 23 he would never see the field anyway, so Green might as well go.

    Diskerud was my toughest omission. I had hit down to him or Edu, but I think JK will depend on a more athletic DM type given the group. I probably wouldn’t agree, but I kind of get it.

    Wondo is kind of in the Davis boat. I don’t see any circumstance he would see the field, so the others go in his place.

    Reply
  19. Ream > Yedlin

    Agudelo > Corona

    Wish Shea had better luck this season in club world. Tired of the attitude complaints. Dude has committed attitude on the field and got caught-up in a tough situation at Barnsley … and in turn at Stoke. At least he’s still young. He’s got another chance in him.

    Mix needs a club move. MLS would be great. But definitely proved himself with the nats.

    Green has two senior level cameos at this point in his career. I’m sure he’ll be great. But he should not have been seriously considered at this point. Hope he shows well in camp, but should not be going to Brazil.

    Good to see Edu and Beckerman. Both well deserved.

    Reply
    • Why is everyone complaining about Green and Yedlin???? I thought everyone wanted them for the USMNT. All of a sudden they are scum of the earth.Quit whining you guys just like to complain!!!

      Reply
      • All I can say to you Dan is that you are in for quite a shock after the first 2 send-off friendlies.

        Okay, one more thing, your comment makes no sense.

      • You’re exaggerating… No one is against them, to the contrary they see talent and potential. Whether they are ready to contribute now or are better than others for the 30 (eventual 23) that is a debatable question.

  20. Best 11 not to make the pre cut 30…

    Agudelo

    Shea Feilhaber Johnson

    Williams Klejsten

    Castillo Ream Onyewu Lichij

    Yeldell

    Not a bad list. A lot playing in Europe too. Who would have thought we’d have the depth to leave Bolton’s POY, a regular for FC Utrecht, and a key midfielder for Anderlecht at home.

    Reply
    • That’s probably an accurate list. The three you mentioned just weren’t consistent enough. At the top of their game, each could make a case for inclusion.

      Reply
    • Think they could qualify in CONCACAF? I would say they make the HEX. Not sure if they could qualify out of the HEX though.

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    • Or, Yelldell looked like a joke here, Shea couldn’t look composed against Cuba and imploded in club ball, Agudelo is anonymous when he plays, Sacha is on the outs at Anderlecht and overrated for the US, EJ went unproductive mercenary again, Castillo gets burned every time he plays LB, Ream looks bad every time he puts on the colors, Lichaj looked a nervous shell of what he did years ago, Williams generally stunk when played, Gooch was burned by Antigua, blah blah blah.

      Reply
  21. I would’ve liked to see Feilhaber in the 30. Not sure why Mix is there. He can’t even get into Rosenborg’s starting line-up (just today, again he spent the whole game on the bench). We’re not talking about a strong league here; it’s Norway, after all! Currently ranked #26 in Europe.

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  22. I would have never picked Chandler for this squad. I am assuming that he is a chemistry killer who turned down the US several times. He is probably neither liked by fans or players. Now you take him to camp and he’s going to show well. It’s going to be even harder then to not take him to Brazil, so why include him in the 30? Bad for the team to have a player who turned you down several times before.

    Reply
    • If they are professionals who want to win the WC, they’ll all use this month to determine the best 23.

      Reply
    • Do you really think, at the age of 24, Chandler has been a 3-yr. starter in the Bundesliga without getting along very well with his teammates and coaches?

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      • If he stays at Nürnberg that will be next season. However, it looks like he will move to another Liga I team this summer.

      • he won’t be as Stuttgart has already shown interest in signing him. they wanted him in 2011 and still do. further, a few other Bundesliga teams have been linked to him. he’s staying in the Bundesliga.

    • I see your point but his inclusion could be taken as a sign of desperation about the quality of the RB pool and/or the need to protect the weak CBs on the flanks.

      Reply
    • Chemistry’s overrated when the talent gap is so large. Chandler’s way better than Evans/Parkhurst. Omar is terrible right now, so Cameron should be at CB. FJ could play RB, but then DMB is at LB and that probably isn’t going to work at WC.

      It seems silly to blame Timmy/chemistry (or Regis before) for causing the entire team to flame out (if that were to happen at WC). You can blame communication problems in the back that lead directly to goals on chemistry/unfamiliarity, but you can’t blame lack of scoring punch on hurt feelings. These are pros and this is the WC! Suck it up and play hard. Scapegoating certain players/chemistry for poor results is just loser talk [meaning the crybaby players are losers, not commenters who put too much faith in chemistry].

      Reply
  23. Cuts will be Evans, Yedlin, Brooks, and Gonzalez (due to lingering effects of injury) for D.
    Corona, Green for mid and Boyd for forwards. Yedlin, Brooks, Green, Corona and Boyd are there for the next gen effect. Get them experience.

    If Gonzalez is recovered and playing well, I see Chandler or Beas going. Probably Chandler who is still recovering himself.

    People can hate on Davis all they want, but the guy’s left foot is going to put him on the plane. He may not get much playing time if any, but he is the best set piece taker in the list, and it ain’t close.

    Reply
  24. In a way I think Jozy’s form is why EJ isn’t here, Klinsmann just couldn’t afford to 3 strikers not scoring goals.

    Reply
  25. It’s anyones game now, as far as I’m concerned. They have a month and a couple games to make their respective cases/stay healthy.

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  26. I know it’s far from a surprise, but I’m still disappointed Feilhaber didn’t get a chance. Offers a skill set that we don’t have in abundance.

    Reply
  27. Here are the guys that are 25 or younger on the roster (from oldest – Jozy – to youngest)… Positive, but hard to tell how many will be around for 2018. I thought Gil had an outside shot to be in the camp; I would have liked another Bradley-like hope to be part of the camp. Not sure anyone on this list below qualifies.

    Jozy Altidore
    Timothy Chandler
    Joe Corona
    Mix Diskerud
    Aron Johannsson
    Terrence Boyd
    John Brooks
    DeAndre Yedlin
    Julian Green

    Reply
  28. Goalkeepers:
    Tim Howard, Brad Guzan, Nick Rimando

    Defenders:
    DaMarcus Beasley, Matt Besler, John Brooks, Geoff Cameron , Timmy Chandler, Omar Gonzalez, Clarence Goodson, Fabian Johnson,DeAndre Yedlin

    Midfielders:
    Alejandro Bedoya, Michael Bradley, Joe Corona, Julian Green, Jermaine Jones, Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan, Graham Zusi

    Forwards:
    Jozy Altidore, Terrence Boyd, Aron Johannsson

    Reply
  29. Here are my cuts:

    Brooks, Chandler, Yedlin, Corona, Davis, Boyd, Beckerman/Mix

    I personally think Beckerman should make the squad and Mix goes home. Not sure how Klinsmann sees it. I liked what I saw from Beckerman playing as a defensive midfielder while Bradley joined the attack.

    Reply
  30. So what’s everyone’s thinking on the 7 who will be cut? My opinion is it’s Parkhurst, Chandler, Davis, Corona, Wondo, Diskerud and either Beckerman or Edu (hope he keeps Edu. It would be something to be proud of as a Union fan this year haha)

    Reply
      • Don’t believe Yedlin will be cut. And for sure Green won’t.

        My predictions on the 7 to not go to Brazil. Evans, Parkhurst, Davis, Edu, Corona, Wondo and either Goodson or Gonzales.

  31. Biggest surprise exclusion: Ream

    Biggest surprise inclusion: Yedlin

    Personally, I would have liked to have seen Ream, Agudelo and Orozco over Yedlin, Davis, and Goodson.

    Reply
  32. If Chandler is healthy, a back four of Johnson, Cameron, Besler, and Chandler could be awesome. It has speed and counter punch.

    Reply
  33. The list looks good to me. I’m a little surprised to see Ream left off but can’t say I’m surprised by the EJ and Shea omissions.

    Reply
  34. taking only Besler, Goodson, JAB, Gonzalez and Cameron leads me to believe JK plans on playing Cameron as a CB.

    Thank you!

    Reply
    • As some mentioned above, with all the RBs in the 30, it appears likely that Cameron will be at CB. I would not be surprised of JK only brings three CBs to Brazil (Besler, Cameron, and Goodson). This could give Parkhurst and Edu a better shot of making it due to versatility. I just can’t see JAB making it. Too mistake prone at this point. I would trust any of the 5 above before him . . . heck, I would trust Gooch in Brazil before him. With that said, his upside is definitely greater than all of those guys.

      Reply
    • Agree. Also may indicate that Omar’s knee injury is more serious than Arena stated last week. Which then means that Chandler, Parkhurst and Evans are fighting for the RB spot.

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    • What kind of promise?

      JAB is a 21 year old 6’4″ highly athletic center back with great feet who starts in one of the top four leagues in the world at a position that is almost always filled with veterans because it requires such experience and understanding.

      Reply
      • He plays in Germany and has seen that team’s players. He is tall in a game where the opposing team maybe gets in a rut crossing. Otherwise he has actually looked vulnerable and overmatched, but if all we promised was camp and the position has hardly been grabbed by anyone, what can it hurt. I wish we’d scouted and tried other backs but the pool is what it is.

        You also have to consider that maybe he and Green are in camp more as the future for the experience than for what they do now.

  35. Agudelo should have been called in. I could see him making an impact in Brazil and would benefit from the experience in the same fashion as Green. Juan’s experience with the National Team is more than just a cameo but I get the reasoning behind Green. I’m happy Edu is there and I hope he makes the 23. He is an option at CB in a pinch. Speaking of that, did I read that Jermaine Jones played CB this weekend?

    Reply
  36. Im not a fan of Ream but I’d have liked to see him in the 30 list… Can Parkhurst, Yedlin, Evans, Goodson and Davis even pay their way to Championship League? no way!

    Ream’s private training last week at Red Bull’s facilities was a tell that he was being called up… but strange things happens…. that’s Jurgen for you.

    J.Green beat out Shea, I’m convinced the US still needs the big physical body in there against Ghana, Germany.. I guess Shea next shot is Copa Centenario 2016.

    the seven the USMNT dont need today:
    Evans, Davis, Wondo, Yedlin, Corona, Beckerman, Goodson

    Edu is a better athlete than Beck’s and can also play Goodson’s role)

    Reply
    • Can Yedlin make the second tier in the English league? You say “no way!” I will agree with you in part. No way will Yedlin be offered, nor would he accept, an offer from second tier British football.

      However, DeAndre probably will receive, and accept, an offer from a top league team in France, Spain, Italy, Bundesliga, if not after the world cup, then within a year. My thinking he will go to the Bundesliga.

      Reply
  37. Julian Green? US has become a last resort for players who can’t make their original national team (Green with Germany, Timmy Chandler with Germany, Fabian Johnson with Germany, etc.). I can assure you, Klinsman told Green, you pick US and I will have you in Brazil with our team. He makes his decision two months before the world cup and automatically is called in…joke.

    Half these German players above won’t even get a sniff for Germany, but US has decided to open their doors to whomever. …..Kinda sad…Bring on the next player who can’t make the French squad because US has room for them.

    Reply
    • Because we have so many other players with the quality to play for Bayern Munich?

      Get your head out of the sand….The kid probably has more potential than any other player on the USMNT, just because you haven’t seen it doesn’t mean the Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klinsmann haven’t seen it.

      I think I trust those two gentlemen over “Billy”

      Reply
      • Well, in all fairness, “Billy” is probably still a pre-teen. Because after the age of 12, being called “Billy” makes a guy named William cringe in embarrassment.

      • from the guy who calls himself “William the Terror” …that’s funny.
        and terrorble.

      • Even if I was 12,15 or 35, what does age have to do with my comment. Stay on topic and you will understand what I am talking about …”In all fairness”

      • Green plays for Bayern Munich reserves, other than one two minute appearance. They play in the fourth division.

      • but he did sign a professional, first-team contract with them. so he is absolutely a Bayern Munich player. but it is correct that he still plays for BMII way more often than not.

    • If you think Timmy and Fabian don’t have a chance at Germany… You don’t realize that they basically have no Fullback Depth. Heiko Westerman is not much for competition. Schmelzer is not that great.(Good player but prolly the weakest on Dortmund’s back line.)

      I’m not saying Fabian and Chandler would start but both would be in consideration for backup.

      Reply
    • The fact that 31 year old, out of form Eddie Johnson is the most deserving person that would potentially get Green’s spot takes a lot of the punch out of your argument.

      Reply
    • Sad comment.

      Germany wanted Green (first team coaching staff even called him when the press hit about declaring for us). Like Germany wants Zelalem. And Germany also wanted Fabian Johnson.

      Reply
    • Green has already played for the U16,17 and19s for Germany so he would have had a good chance to play for their National team in a few years.

      Reply

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