Strong rookie seasons have earned three MLS rising stars a chance to show Bob Bradley what they can do. Omar Gonzalez, Chris Pontius and Kevin Alston were all named a part of the 30-man roster for the January 4 camp to be held at the Home Depot Center. The three will be in search of a first cap when the U.S. goes up against Honduras on January 23.
As is typical, the squad is made up primarily of MLS players, with a few Scandinavian-based players in the mix as well — including Marcus Tracy and Alejandro Bedoya, two players who have put themselves on Bradley's radar with a strong 2009. Other selections include Kansas City Wizards goalie Kevin Hartman, Jeff Larentowicz of the Revolution and Zach Thornton of Chivas.
Here's a look at the complete roster:
GOALKEEPERS: Kevin Hartman (Kansas City), Troy Perkins (Valerenga), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake), Zach Thornton (Chivas USA)
DEFENDERS: Kevin Alston (New England Revolution), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Jimmy Conrad (Kansas City Wizards), Omar Gonzalez (Los Angeles Galaxy), Clarence Goodson (IK Start), Chad Marshall (Columbus Crew), Heath Pearce (FC Dallas), Marvell Wynne (Toronto FC)
MIDFIELDERS: Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Alejandro Bedoya (Örebro), Geoff Cameron (Houston Dynamo), Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo), Brad Evans (Seattle Sounders), Benny Feilhaber (Aarhus), Eddie Gaven (Columbus Crew), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Jeff Larentowicz (New England Revolution), Dax McCarty (FC Dallas), Chris Pontius (D.C. United), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew)
FORWARDS: Justin Braun (Chivas USA), Conor Casey (Colorado Rapids), Jeff Cunningham (FC Dallas), Robbie Findley (Real Salt Lake), Brandon McDonald (San Jose Earthquakes), Marcus Tracy (Aalborg)
What do you think of the roster? Who are you surprised to see? Who do you think should have been called in?
Share your thoughts below.