Photo by ISIPhotos.com
By IVES GALARCEP
Jurgen Klinsmann has called in 25 players ahead of the January camp roster, a squad heavy on MLS talent.
Eddie Johnson and Graham Zusi headline a squad with 21 MLS players. The Houston Dynamo trio of Will Bruin, Brad Davis and Tally Hall were among the players called in, as were USMNT veterans Benny Feilhaber and young playmaker Mix Diskerud.
New York Red Bulls rookie Connor Lade is the first member of the 2012 MLS rookie class to earn a call-up.
Here is the USMNT roster for the January camp:
GOALKEEPERS– Tally Hall (Houston Dynamo), Bill Hamid (D.C. United), Sean Johnson (Chicago Fire)
DEFENDERS-Steven Beitashour (San Jose Earthquakes), Tony Beltran (Real Salt Lake), Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), A.J. DeLaGarza (LA Galaxy), Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy), Connor Lade (New York Red Bulls), Alfredo Morales (Hertha Berlin), Justin Morrow (San Jose Earthquakes), Jeff Parke (Philadelphia Union)
MIDFIELDERS– Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Alejandro Bedoya (out of contract), Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo), Mix Diskerud (Rosenborg), Brad Evans (Seattle Sounders), Benny Feilhaber (Sporting Kansas City), Joshua Gatt (Molde), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City)
FORWARDS– Juan Agudelo (Chivas USA), Will Bruin (Houston Dynamo), Edson Buddle (Colorado Rapids), Eddie Johnson (Seattle Sounders), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)
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More on today’s announcement after the jump:
According to Fox Soccer, Jermaine Jones and Maurice Edu could still be called in to take part in the January camp. Klinsmann pointed out that Landon Donovan was not called in because he is still on his winter break and has yet to make a decision on his future.
Nick Rimando was also originally slated to be called in, but was forced out due to injury. Chris Pontius is also still recovering from injury, as is Brek Shea.
This roster is NOT the squad that will face Honduras. Klinsmann will select a different roster for that qualifier, which should include some of the players on this list. Klinsmann stated that we could see anywhere from five to eight players from this camp on the roster for the Honduras qualifier.
While the camp is being used to provide a fitness base for several players who will be a part of the Honduras qualifier, it will also serve as an opportunity for fringe players to establish themselves on the USMNT depth chart ahead of a busy summer for the national team. A summer that will include the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
The USMNT will hold camp in Carson, Calif. from Monday through the rest of January before concluding camp with a friendly against Canada on Jan. 29th. The camp will serve, at least in part, as some preparation ahead of the Feb. 5th CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier vs. Honduras.
What do you think of the squad? Who are you happy to see on the squad? Who wasn’t called in that you feel deserved a look?
Share your thoughts below.