U.S. national team head coach Bob Bradley named the 20-man roster for Wednesday's friendly vs. the Netherlands in Amsterdam and, as expected, the roster is loaded with European-based players.
Just three of the 20 players called up for the match are MLS players, four counting Landon Donovan, who is currently with Everton on loan from the LA Galaxy. Veterans Tim Howard, Carlos Bocanegra and Michael Bradley will lead the squad.
Another veteran to get the call is DaMarcus Beasley, who has been out of the national team mix since the Confederations Cup. He is joined on the squad by Glasgow Rangers teammate Maurice Edu, who has been out of the national team mix for almost a year after knee surgery sidelined him for nine months.
Here is the squad that will face the Netherlands at Amsterdam Arena on Wednesday:
GOALKEEPERS– Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Tim Howard (Everton)
DEFENDERS– Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes), Jay DeMerit (Watford), Clarence Goodson (IK Start), Heath Pearce (FC Dallas), Frank Simek (Sheffield Wednesday), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United)
MIDFIELDERS– DaMarcus Beasley (Rangers), Alejandro Bedoya (Orebro), Michael Bradley (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Landon Donovan (Everton), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Stuart Holden (Bolton Wanderers), José Torres (Pachuca)
FORWARDS– Jozy Altidore (Hull City), Robbie Findley (Real Salt Lake), Eddie Johnson (Aris Thessaloniki)
Here are some thoughts on the roster:
Brian Ching's absence shouldn't be seen as a snub. Bob Bradley was careful to point out last night that just because a player isn't called in doesn't mean he's suddenly out of the mix. It could mean he wants to see other players in those roles. Eddie Johnson clearly needs to get a look and this is his best chance. No need to bring in Ching with Johnson needing a look and Altidore likely to start up top.
Robbie Findley getting the call would seem to suggest that he has beaten out Jeff Cunningham, at least early on, for the top speed striker role. Findley didn't have a good game vs. El Salvador, but he probably outplayed Cunningham over the course of the past six weeks in camp.
Heath Pearce getting the call shows that Bradley was impressed with him vs. El Salvador. The fact that Pearce got the call and Castillo didn't should probably put to bed the Castillo for the World Cup talk. Doesn't look good for the Tigres defender at this point.
Alejandro Bedoya getting the call is very promising. He's a talented young winger with some goal-scoring punch. Robbie Rogers' struggles certainly open the door for Bedoya to move up the depth chart.
Don't assume Freddy Adu was snubbed. He stated on Twitter today that he's carrying a hamstring injury. That probably ruled him out. Only Bradley knows for sure, but considering Adu is playing regularly now and Bedoya is still in pre-season, it probably isn't a stretch to say that Adu's injury opened the door for Bedoya.
Surprising absences? No real glaring ones come to mind. Kenny Cooper being left out isn't a surprise considering he's only seeing sub minutes for Plymouth.
What do you think of the squad? Which call-up surprised you the most? Who do you think should have been called up that wasn't?
Share your thoughts below.