Photo by John Dorton/ISIphotos.com
By AVI CREDITOR
As surprising as the inclusions of Robbie Rogers, Freddy Adu and Chris Wondolowski on the United States Gold Cup roster might be, what is perhaps more eye-opening is the list of omissions.
Timmy Chandler, Teal Bunbury and Alejandro Bedoya were all left off of the U.S. team for this summer's tournament, opening coach Bob Bradley up for more criticism should he not succeed with the outside-the-box players he elected to chose.
Chandler's meteoric rise on the national team scene figured to make him a shoo-in for this summer. His attacking prowess from the back and speed up the right side added a new dimension to the U.S. national team, and he impressed mightily in friendlies against Argentina and Paraguay.
Bradley insisted on a conference call with the media that the 21-year-old Chandler was physically and mentally drained from his first season of top-flight soccer; however, reports from Germany seem to point in the direction of his club, FC Nuremberg, not wanting Chandler to spend his summer playing internationally as opposed to resting up for the club's preseason.
"We had a number of different discussions with him and the club," Bradley said. "When we added them all up, at the end of his first real season playing at this level, we felt that it didn't make sense at this time for him. He's carried a few little injuries as of late. He's told us that physically and mentally this season has been a hard one."
Bradley alluded to the notion that Chandler jumping ship to play for his native Germany is not really a concern. With Chandler only appearing in friendlies for the United States, that technically is still a possibility.
"The simple matter is the way things work, until a player plays in an official match, you don't know for sure," Bradley said. "In all of our conversations with Timmy he's always expressed how excited he is to have played for the U.S. We feel that there's been a very good level of discussion and follow up with him, and it's all in the idea that he's going to play a role for us."
Bradley didn't address Bedoya's situation in much detail, but it did not seem to be a club-vs.-country situation based on Bradley's comments. Bedoya's exclusion at the benefit of Rogers is a bit puzzling considering Bedoya's current form for Orebro and Rogers' stable-but-not-stellar form for the Columbus Crew.
Bedoya just scored his fourth goal of the young season over the weekend and has put in time in attacking and defensive central midfield roles as well as out wide.
As for Bunbury, who Sporting Kansas City coach Peter Vermes said last week would be on the U.S. roster, Bradley overlooked him in favor of Chris Wondolowski. Bradley praised Wondolowski's current form and said that "he has scored some very good goals" and "seems to be a player that gets a couple of chances every game."
Bunbury has struggled in his last few MLS outings, but he has provided a spark when given the opportunity in past national team friendlies.
"Teal is a young striker that we certainly see a lot of potential," Bradley said. "We've had a good opportunity to work with him in some camps and just felt that this time, in terms of our whole roster, I didn't think it was the right time for him. I don't think hes been as sharp as we would like so far in the season, and I think that's a sign of him continuing to mature and grow."
To a lesser extent than the aforemnetioned trio, the exclusions of Charlie Davies, Herculez Gomez, Jay DeMerit and Edson Buddle also turned some heads.
Bradley didn't make it seem like Davies would have been selected even if he was at full fitness, which he currently is not. He injured his hamstring in D.C. United's May 14 game against Colorado and is doubtful for this Sunday's match at Portland.
"We've certainly seen a lot of progress from the start of the MLS season until now, and we're excited about that," Bradley said of Davies, whose six goals are second-most in MLS. "You look at strikers, and you want to see goals, and obviously he's done well to convert in some goal-scoring situations, but in terms of his all-around contribution to the team, I think he's still working his way back."
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Which omission surprised you the most? Who do you think should be on the squad that isn't?
Share your thoughts below.
Wow. You are not very smart.
this makes me laugh
What is the real shock here people? Chandler begged off and is either headed to Deutschland or taking a summer nap. Bedoya, really? Most unimpressive and his time with the NATS thus far. Burnbury has been quiet in MLS whereas Wondo has shown a lot the past year and a half.
Bornstein? Everyone knows the LB pool has been shallow for years. What else do you expect?
I say Adu surprises and quite frankly, the team needs him as Bradley, Jone, and Edu roughly equate to the same player.
Why is he questionable?! Let’s see… Maybe the fact he’s played about 30 minutes total the whole second half of the EPL season! Don’t be an idiot and understand the facts. I like MB but if fair is fair you’d be bitching if BB brought in anyone else who got the type of minutes MB has played. Let’s have someone START ( which he will) on our national team who hasn’t made the bench for his club team in more than 50% of the games this season. MB is a good player, but is not match ready. People like you are the reason our program is where it is! You should learn a bit more before you speak.
apparently since 2008
Alright my mistake. Slovenia then. What’s changed? This is me trying to talk about PACO. My original post was about PACO. Not England. I clearly state Slovenia in my first sentence, and a typo and my part led you to believe that I was trying to mislead posters to justify Paco’s play.
Your obnoxious post distracted me from my original intent, which again, was to justify Paco’s poor showing against Slovenia. Again, Slovenia, England, interchange the two and it has no bearing on any of my points about paco leading up the wc and his first start with the nats sr. team
Roger’s is a better fit for Holden’s slot? since when Rogers plays CM? oh, you think Holden’s slot in the NATS is a wide right? You are drinking to much water from BB’s well.
Hindsight is 20/20, but it would take a blind man to see that if the USMNT does not make the Gold Cup final or is knocked out in the group stage or an early knockout round, we may get to see Bradley naming his last team.
normaly I’m optimistic but this lineup is really going to take sometime to digest. Bornstein? the guy has been a failure in MX. in his last showing as a sub he got yanked back out after 20 minutes, yet BB rewards him with a call. I want to see Borstein birth certificate, it probably says Bradley somewhere.
Bwahaha +1
The only players people are whining about being left off the roster probably would not see much or any playing time except for Chandler (and Davies, if he recovered from the hamstring injury.
This gold cup is not a camp about bring along young players, it is the regional championship with bragging rights and a spot in the confed cup at stake. So Wondo over Bunbury makes sense, Wondo led the MLS in goals last year and is 3rd this year.
No Torres (who, btw still plays less than 90 minutes for Pachuca most of the time) has not really clicked with his US teammates.
I am surprised by Adu’s inclusion, I hope some scouts are claiming his soccer brain has grown.
Sacha and JB can fill in at multiple spots, but does anyone really think they will be starting?
Rogers can add a touch of speed on the outside and can cross well.
I am surprised no Bedoya, is suppose it is a tactical choice.
It will be interesting to see how much time MB gets. He did make the bench in the last 2 or 3 Villa games, but made only cameo appearances.
Bradley picked a team of parts he thinks will fit together. That is often as much a gut feeling about players’ personalities as much as it is about choosing complementary and consistent playing styles. So far Bradley’s tenure has shown him to be a guy who can get (or choose) players to work together. The style is scarcely like Barcelona’s, but he does not have much of that kind of player at his disposal. I suspect even he would tell you that he might have left off some more talented players in order to make sure he had all the roles he thinks are important covered with a starter and a sub. There are no rules for picking players other than question “will he improve the team?” Style, excitementor personal connection have nothing to do with it, only the coach’s assessment of the important question.
I’ve already got tix for the final and hoping for USA vs Mex, even though it will be an away game for the USA at the Rose Bowl.
Dos a cero, anyone?
Right…. Robbie is gonna light Spain up.
Bradley could also shut everybody up by fielding a team of world class Americans, led by our high quality strikers…
Except that we don’t have them yet.
While the American game is improving the simple fact is that we have few excellent internationals. All you have to do is look at the clubs of everyone in the nats’ pool. There are some decent sides, for sure, but there are still few Yanks playing in Champions League (for example).
I’ve been frustrated by many of Bradley’s moves, too, but in general the USMNT will improve when the quality of our players improves.
i watched quakes v Revs and saw Wondo play well. I saw nothing in Feilhaber. Adu I sort of get.
Rogers = wtf.
Bedoya is on a Holden path but Bradley I’ll be the last to notice as usual.
JFT and Baby Bradley play dissimilar andnon conducive styles so he’s out.
I’d believe Chandler needs the rest and it’s wise to give it, if Bradley wasn’t such a hypocrite for all the Gold Cup is important talk only to leave him.
Bradley has different rules for different players. Davies is excluded because of fitness all around contribution. Please explain Mr Bradley how exactly Mikey is in shape and contributes when he cant make the bench?
Double standards right down the line. He’s such a fool
He hasn’t really had a summer break since 2008, 2009 Confeds Cup, 2010 World Cup, 2011 Gold Cup with Europa League qualifying right after Gold Cup, along with playing every game in the EPL, at what point do you burn out?
bob consistently plays borenstein who continues to give up goals, leaves out future stars such as bunbury, fails to cap mix and chandler in tournaments that would tie them to the states… there’s no need to defend bradley at this point. he continues to make idiotic roster decisions.
hahaha chuck, i second that.
Fulham starts Europa league qualifying June 28th they’ll find out at the end of the week whether they are going or not. Dempsey hasn’t had a break in awhile.
We’ll if we lose the Gold Cup or don’t make the final, Martin O’Neill and Carlos Ancelotti are available.
Putting aside the debate over fringe players, is anyone else concerned Dempsey’s going to be a no-show after a long, grueling EPL season? And without Chandler or Holden on the roster, there’s really no strong back-up for him on the wing. He’s going to have to log a lot of minutes over the tournament.
Michael Bradley has retired from club soccer to focus on his National team assignment.
Listen, I hope that we play the final against Mexico for a thousand reasons! Just the fact that Mexico is a fun team to watch and play against. The levels of both teams is the highest in the region and I enjoy seeing Hernandez, Marquez, Dos, Guardado play!
We all want the final to be of the highest calibre, and these are the two teams that can guarantee that. And playing a team like Mexico and beating them in important matches has obviously helped us improve our level of play and our composure versus powerhouses in countless ways.
This US team should make the final and possibly beat Mexico, if not Bob’s gotta go!
Forwards: Jozy Altidore, Robbie Findley
Midfielders: Clint Dempsey, Ricardo Clark, Michael Bradley, Landon Donovan
Defenders: Carlos Bocanegra, Oguchi Onyewu, Jay DeMerit, Steve Cherundolo
Goalkeeper: Tim Howard
That’s the lineup from the England game. Someone’s name is missing….
Jose didn’t play against Ghana. It should have been pretty obvious by the distinct lack of midfield ball control. But who’s really watching anyway?
Very funny Tim! JFT didn’t start against England! I’m not deflecting from your point, I’m refuting it! We were talking about his start in the Slovenia game and you’re talking about England when he didn’t even start against England! Who’s retarded now, Tim? I accept responsibility for starting this flame war but you’re coming off as stupid because you’re wrong. But keep on calling me retarded. It’s ok, Tim. We’re not all blessed with correct information and logic skills.
i just lost faith in BB…. good stuff ives, best site going
Did you miss his World Cup debut? I really liked, and still like, his play, but wow, did you see his World Cup debut?
You definitely have a point. But the issue with it is that Bradley has managed to prove himself on the international level. Bunbury has flashed potential (and believe me, I’m as excited about it as anyone,) but potential + not doing so wonderfully for his club means he didn’t make the cut this year.
Again, I have no argument for Bornstein, other than the fact that he somehow still remains the best option we have. Which is sad.
I am not saying he is a bad player or did I say that?
All I am saying you cant be picing players based on club form (Teal) and ignore the fact that Michael and Bornstein have not played in 4 months. That is all I am saying.
No, i justified it by stating it was his first start with the with the full first team, and apparently his start since a qualifier in 2008? and on top of that, for bob bradley to do so on such a grand stage as the wc in the first game against such a strong opponent as England, when previously building up to the world cup, he had been used solely as a sub building up to the wc was a terrible decision.
You keep deflecting from any point i make with this silly notion that things are funny. Are you retarded? If you are, I apologize Alex. Laugh make Alex happy? Good Alex. Laughing good.
Also, did you not notice that in the last 2 friendlies, even with little club playing time… MB consistently outplayed J Jones? … and that he WAY outplayed M Edu?
Open your eyes.
ROFL @ JJ!!! 🙂
And, technically, the USA doesn’t really piss itself in big moments – it has piss in cups thrown on it by Mexico’s fans.
Played a major role in his team’s success this season, leading to them battling (uphill, after today) for a promotion to the first division.
2nd division Turkey may not be the most competitive league in the world, but Adu’s technical skills can bring something to the USA it lacks otherwise. He merits the call-up.
Now that Adu is at least playing some, he may have been called up for Jozy more than anything. I’d love to see if those two can regain the chemistry they had playing for the U-20s. They really read each other well and each made the other more dangerous.
I never thought Bunbury was a real option, and until this week, I didn’t think Ale Bedoya would be on the team, either. I was a little surprised at Wondo’s call, with Buddle and Gomez available. Wondo is not even two years younger than Edson, and not even a year younger than Gomez — so, I don’t buy the idea that age would be a factor. However, Wondo is showing well right now, and he will be in midseaspn shape — something the others cannot say.
I’m liking the addition of Adu — Gold Cup is just the right kind of format and level for him to shine. Rogers — I’ve always thought he had gobs of potential — maybe more so than almost anyone else in the pool — but it never fully materializes on the pitch. Perhaps this will be his moment to shine. Surely, if Holden were there, Rogers would not be, but he is a better fit for Holden’s slot than Bedoya…at least based on national team performance. On the other hand, I was hugely impressed with Ale’s full-stride back-heel pass for an assist this weekend. Our side lacks the creativity and skill he showed there.
Oh, and how was I being an Ives fanboy? I said nothing about Ives and made no declaration about who I’m a fan of. You’re getting funnier by the minute.
Can someone please define what “A” international level is per this: http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/affederation/generic/01/29/85/71/fifastatuten2010_e.pdf, page 68. Thanks.
I think we are Slaw. Just a lot of analysis going on. Doesnt mean we arent behind them.
The thing that concerns me is I feel that this is too good of an opportunity for Chandler and others. It’s a great stage to continue to ease him in with the team. I know there’s a lot of time left until WC Brazil. Still, I guess Im of the opinion that every little bit helps. I’m behind our guys though. Stage has been set. Really want to see Lichaj, Altidore, Agudelo, Adu, Jones, and Ream do well.
And just to clarify my response to your comment, Tim, here are a couple of points. For starters, JFT’s start against the Slovenes was NOT his first start; his first start came against T&T in 2008. Also, “It was his first game starting…(if not his first start)”. Ha. Second, the really funny part of this post was that you tried to justify JFT’s poor performance in the Slovenia game by saying it was against England.
Is Jonny Bornstein Bradley’s “California Son”? Did he grow up playing with Mikey and we just don’t know it yet?
He’s not average, at all. He’s got serious skills and pace. You’re right about the misses, though. If he can ever figure out his shooting touch and balance, he could be one of the best players we’ve ever had. Without Holden in the lineup, Rogers is the guy to provide that spark off the bench.
I keep waiting for that to happen, and I guess Bradley has the same hopes.
Idk about hilarious, but its quite sad you can’t critique a simple post if you have a disagreement about it.
Typical Ives fanboy.
Does anyone think that there is a legit shot that Bradley get fired before next world cup? It’s a tough thing because I really want him gone but because we are playing bad or getting bad results. Should have nixed him after the world cup.
I like Herc but he was on a 10 month scoring drought at the club level until scoring 4 this past month… that is not enough to push him ahead of Wondo who has been en fuego for a year and a half now without any serious dip in form. Wondo over Herc was absolutely the right call.
Hilarious, sir. Hilarious.
Say what you want about his selection not to bring Bedoya, but as far as we know he’s a only a right sided winger and doesn’t have nearly as much experience on the nats level as Robbie, who can play on both sides of the wing at least.
If Chandler had been available, maybe things would of been different.
Can we just for once actually get behind the team? I absolutely agree there are surprises/disappointments with this roster, but this is our team. I don’t want to go all Norman Dale here, but this is your team. A ball hasn’t even been kicked yet. Let’s get behind the boys that are wearing our colors.