Recently-signed Philadelphia Union defender Michael Orozco and Houston Dynamo striker Brian Ching were among the 23 players chosen for the upcoming training camp roster for the U.S. men's national team match vs. El Salvador in Tampa on Feb. 24.
The camp squad is made up entirely of MLS players, with the El Salvador match not being played on a FIFA date.
Here is the full training camp roster:
GOALKEEPERS (3): Troy Perkins (D.C. United), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake), Zach Thornton (Chivas USA)
DEFENDERS (7): Kevin Alston (New England Revolution), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Omar Gonzalez (Los Angeles Galaxy), Chad Marshall (Columbus Crew), Michael Orozco (Philadelphia Union), Heath Pearce (FC Dallas), Marvell Wynne (Toronto FC)
MIDFIELDERS (9): Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Geoff Cameron (Houston Dynamo), Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo), Brad Evans (Seattle Sounders), Eddie Gaven (Columbus Crew), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Dax McCarty (FC Dallas), Chris Pontius (D.C. United), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew)
FORWARDS (4): Conor Casey (Colorado Rapids), Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Jeff Cunningham (FC Dallas), Robbie Findley (Real Salt Lake)
So what kind of starting lineup might we see from this group? Here's a potential starting XI:
———————–Ching————-Findley——————–
Pontius——————————————————-Rogers
——————–Beckerman———Kljestan———————
Bornstein———Gonzalez———-Marshall————–Alston
——————————-Perkins——————————–
————
Geoff Cameron is also a candidate to start, but would he start on the right flank or in central midfield (he won't play central defense). Heath Pearce is in camp again and could get a look at left back, but only if Bradley decides to give Bornstein an extended look in central defense.
Dax McCarty could get a start, which could potentially lead to Robbie Rogers moving over to the left wing and Kljestan sliding on to the right. I still think Kevin Alston is capable of starting if healthy. Marvell Wynne didn't exactly lock down a starting role after his match against Honduras.
At forward, Ching's return should mean a start for him if he's healthy and fit. I could see any combination of strikers but Ching-Casey. I'll give Findley the edge over Cunningham right now.
————
What do you think of the squad? Glad to see Orozco getting a look? Hoping Chris Pontius and Omar Gonzalez gets some minutes vs. El Salvador?
Share your thoughts below.
Do we even have an ‘A’ team anymore? All our ‘A’ starters are either hurt or not playing?
Dude, really? Did you watch the Honduras game? Bornstein was the most mature player on the pitch for the USMNT. He looked like he actually knew what it takes to play internationally. The best left back? Maybe not. The one with the most international experience? Yes. There needs to be some sort of experience on the field, even if it is just a somewhat meaningless (in the short-term) friendly.
I agree…..there is no reason for Ching to be on any MNT roster ever, period. He’s slow and his touch is god awful…last game he played with MNT was a nightmare. My 3 legged dog can posses the ball better than he can. If you can’t secure a spot after 43 caps, it is time to cut bait and give a youngster a chance….Get rid of this dude already Bob Bradley!
cut bait with Ching…he’s terrible. Not sure why BB continues to call him back after the nightmares he has produced in the last couple MNT appearances. He’s the most capped on this roster, big F’n deal…all that means is it is time to pull the plug.
I think your phrase “team selection” may have confused people. fwiw, I thought you meant who BB had called up.
Do you even have expectations? You assume I don’t like the roster? You might want to read more carefully. I don’t have a problem with this roster, just how Bradley positions the players tactically and his woefully inadequate substitution methods.
In fact, don’t even bother watching the first 60 minutes. Wait until he’s substituted everyone right at the hour, then you should have a somewhat watchable game…
“NO CASEY. Sick of seeing his lazy A$$ with
the Nats. would rather see Ching who at
least tries.”
I’m sick of people talking crap about Casey. I was a doubter, but that was before the confederations cup. After his performance in Honduras the guy is more like a national hero. I’d buy him 2 beers!
http://www.coloradosoccernow.com/2009/10/11/what-are-conor-caseys-detractors-saying-now/
“win”
The midfield and right back positions are weak, weak, weak! Gain some valuable experience boys, but more importantly, grow a pair and when with your toughness!
Which is why Bradley is coaching the US and you aren’t.
Bradley should be evaluated strictly on how well he does in the World Cup. The rest of it is a pile of industrial waste.
As for Bradley not being a great tactician, all the tactics in the world are useless if your guys can’t carry them out. Bradley doesn’t develop these guys their clubs do. He has very little time with them and just tries to make the most of what he has.
You don’t like this latest roster? Fine, name me a better one of players who are actually available. With a couple of notable exceptions, most of the US players would be scrubs in any top flight European team, if they could even get on the roster.
Try to have more realistic expectations.
Marco,
Even though your post addresses nothing that I wrote in my post, I’m curious. What countries ( more than three please) use a playoff system to crown a champ?
Who would you call up, and what different tactics would you use, given your personnel?
And f*ck has a u where the * is.
Just kidding.
Isaac, what you’re proposing in your last paragraph is simply too difficult.
the reason there’s no info is because the horse’s mouth is closed up tight. No amount of “hey, we deserve to know more!” is going to change BB. He doesn’t have to talk about it, and my guess is he won’t.
As you implied, he brings his hair.
word, isaac. I’m actually anxious to see if the last couple of months that Ching has been training privately will add anything to his game.
AMEN! BB is looking ahead, also a couple of guys are “just in case” with the trend of players getting hurt. Not to mention throwing a bone to those that might move to europe in a few years.