By IVES GALARCEP
U.S. Men’s National Team newcomers John Brooks and Aron Johannsson headline a strong squad called in for the team’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers vs. Costa Rica and Mexico.
U.S. stars Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey, Tim Howard, Landon Donovan and Jozy Altidore lead the squad as it attempts to secure qualification to the 2014 World Cup.
The Americans are riding a 12-match winning streak into the upcoming qualifiers, and several of the key contributors during that winning streak headline the group called in.
Clarence Goodson, Sacha Kljestan, Michael Parkhurst, Jose Torres, Terrence Boyd and Joe Corona were among the players left out of the squad for September’s qualifiers.
Here is the full squad:
USMNT WORLD CUP QUALIFYING ROSTER
GOALKEEPERS– Tim Howard, Brad Guzan, Nick Rimando
DEFENDER– DaMarcus Beasley, Matt Besler, John Brooks, Geoff Cameron, Edgar Castillo, Brad Evans, Omar Gonzalez, Michael Orozco
MIDFELDERS– Kyle Beckerman, Alejandro Bedoya, Michael Bradley, Mix Diskerud, Fabian Johnson, Jermaine Jones, Graham Zusi
FORWARDS– Jozy Altidore, Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan, Aron Johannsson, Eddie Johnson
————
The U.S. travel to San Jose, Costa Rica to face the ‘Ticos’ on Sept. 6th before returning to the United States to face Mexico in Columbus, Ohio on Sept. 10th.
What do you think of the roster? Who are you happy to see make the team? Who are you disappointed to see miss the cut?
Share your thoughts below.
These guys are sitting on yellows: Howard, Besler, Cameron, Evans, Bradley, Jones, F. Johnson,
Dempsey, and Altidore. So, with must-win-at-home match against Mexico on deck, I go with this if I’m Klinsi:
———————Jozy————————-
Donovan——-Dempsey———-Bedoya
————-Bradley–––Beckerman——-
Beasley–Cameron—–Brooks–Evans
——————–Guzan———————–
Some rationale: Bedoya’s been playing well and Klinsmann has started him at RM the last two games. Sitting Fabian ensures he’s available for Mexico. I know Beckerman’s never a popular choice but there’s no arguing he had agreat Gold Cup and can handle CONCACAF-level competition. If Bradley gets a yellow, well, then we at least still have Jones for Mexico. And in defense, Cameron and Brooks just started together in Bosnia and held their own. Brooks gets cap-tied, and regardless of what happens to those two, we still have Besler and Gonzalez for Mexico. Same rationale for Howard: you know if we’re up or tied there’s a good chance Howard gets carded for time-wasting. Lert Guzan absorb that card and Howard is available for Mexico.
I think that lineup, with the confidence with which the US has been playing lately, can at least get a point in Costa Rica.
How is the game against Mexico “must win?” Have you looked at the standings?
Well, point taken, but I meant “must-win” in the sense that (i) you win your homes games in WCQ, and (ii) we’d like to wrap up qualifying ASAP. But you’re right, it’s not must-win with regard to qualifying at all.
Move Jozy to the bench and put Wondowlowski up top.
We understand why your name is FlimFlam. Stop embarrassing yourself.
Suck my roach. I am going to marry wondowowwlowski one day.
Boy what does Corona have to do here to get called in for big situations. I would take him over Johannson at the moment, knowing you have EJ, Jozy, Dempsey and LD all capable of playing up top..and we all know we are only gonna play with one forward anyways.
And inversely, it’s good to be Castillo. No matter how bad you look, you are playing a position of supreme dearth and keep getting calls.
Some might call this The Bornstein Effect
No it’s called the Agoos effect later proven by the Bornstein and Castillo effect
“and we all know we are only gonna play with one forward anyways”
We do? After the high-profile switch to a 4-4-2 in Bosnia led to such a dramatic victory in our last match?
Yeah but Bacon can play on the wing same as Corona.
play better than Bedoya. Bedoya is playing beyond my wildness expectations.
Once we find someone suitable for left wing FJ should move back to defense.Hes by far above anyone else at LB.On the other hand we should have decent options at left wing come WC time.Those options being Shea and Donovan or even Bacon, with Bedoya and Zusi to man Rw.
What I want to see:
Howard
Cameron – Brooks – Besler – Beasley
—Bradley————Jones—
Donovan—–Dempsey———–FJ
Altidore
Obviously, you could have Fabian at LB and side in EJ or AJ, Id prefer Aron. Or could see Gonzales and Besler at CB. Do Brooks and johannson start? I think they get some solid minutes at the very least.
Donovan——-
This is it for me. I like that FJ is listed as a midfielder. I don’t expect to see him at LB with both Beasley and Castillo called in. Man, this is a strong team.
The 4-5-1 may work since a better stable of service providers are on this squad, with Dempsey probably being the “2nd forward” and midfielder at the same time, kind of how Jozy and Johnson played together against Bosnia, only Dempsey can provide better passing and decision making compared to Johnson. Obviously, no surprise if the old tried and true 4-4-2 is used. JUST WIN BABY!
Pretty solid squad. There are a few asterisks as others have noted. Not that the players chosen don’t deserve their spots, but the reasoning behind why one player was selected over another (club not allowing it? Playing time? Fatigue? Injury? etc.). This is what I would like to see, or something similar, but now that Deuce and Donovan are in the squad, it will be a little more difficult to specify their roles. It’s much easier to do when they don’t play at the same time.
——————-Dempsey—————–Altidore——————–
F. Johnson——–Bradley————Jones————-Donovan
Beasley———–Besler—————Gonzo————Cameron
———————————Howard————————————
Dempsey will play behind Altidore, being the creator/supplier for Altidore, but overall having this shape in the final 18. I was also considering moving Donovan up top with Altidore, which may very well happen, and having Zusi on the right, but then we would need to drop Jones to make that additional inclusion, since Dempsey would play a more central role.
You could also run the following, but not sure that it would tailor to our strengths per say. We have the wide players to beat out our competition, so this may be considered to be playing to a weakness, but who knows?
F. Johnson—————–Altidore——————–Donovan
——————————–Dempsey——————————-
———————–Bradley————-Jones———————-
Beasley———–Beasler————Gonzo———-Cameron
———————————-Howard———————————
Your first lineup looks like what we are going to be seeing. I hope we don’t see the second one though just because I can’t stand when Klinsmann runs the 4-3-3.
+1 and +1 again for the 4-3-3 although ultimately with Johnson/Donovan/Dempsey it’ll mostly play out as a 4-2-3-1
Clubs can’t stop a call-up on a FIFA date. Now, they can negotiate to keep a player off or limit his minutes, but they can’t stop anything.
Right. I didn’t state that correctly. Ultimately, is a club being kind of a pain and whining about you using their player? In essence, in a situation when they are recovering from a small knock that the general public doesn’t know about, or if they have played too many minutes recently, etc. Anything that would cause a club to limit the usage of their player for the upcoming games.
Dempsey was never the creator for Altidore. It’s the other way around. Altidore’s hold up play sets up Dempsey’s shots.
I wish someone told me that before.
Sincerely,
Gigi Buffon
Yes and no. Antidote is the hold up striker, but when Dempsey sits behind him going forward, he is going to get the ball and link up with Altidore. In essence, Dempsey provides Altidore with service. Now, Altidore may still hold it up and wait for Dempsey to push further forward, but without a link for Altidore, it is difficult for him to create on his own, although he is getting much better at it as he continues to mature. If you look at Sunderland’s games, prior to their most recent cup match, Altidore has been on an island because he has no one to link up with. Just my opinion anyway.
Thank you! some folks have facts distorted. Dempsey was never a facilitator. Well, may once in a blue moon.
A bit surprised to see Orozco over Goodson, thought Goodson played very well in the Gold Cup. Might be in part due to Orozco’s ability to play RB but I doubt Jurgen is going to be risking starting him there in these important qualifiers. Also if Brooks accepts this call I think its mostly a guarantee that he plays at some point, Jurgen wants to tie this guy up as soon as we can.
Has Goodson been in San Jose XI consistantly? I have seen they play for a bit…
Same for Joe Benny?
Castillo = Bornstein
He was nothing short of awesome in that Bosnia friendly when he came on. He isn’t the greatest defender but he can get forward which Klinsy likes.
which, since he plays as a defender, is, ya know, problematic… or something.
In defense, yes. In the attack, not even close. Castillo should be used as a midfielder only for the USMNT.
put the meds down and walk away from the table.
I’m really surprised that Corona isn’t there. Other than that I think this roster looks great.
Joe’s problem is that he’s only gotten a shot on the outside, and that’s not his natural position or where he plays for his club. Competition for those wide spots is fierce now. If he were competing against Mix for a CM spot, he’d stand a better chance of making the roster. But as far as I can recall, we’ve never played him there.
I’d rather have Lacjhi on the team and drop Beckerman with Cameron covering as a DM if needed. As a whole strong line up thgrought he medfield and at forward the question marks being the LB and RB position as always since Besler/gonzo have established themselves pretty well.
LICHAJ!!!!11!!!(tm)
Lichaj…? Just… stop. Please stop.
Dammit, Beckerman and Zusi just won’t go away.
Zusi has been quality, not sure why you would want him to go away.
He’s extremely limited at the international level. I find it amazing that people continue to gush over his performances. He’ll have a terrible first half; deliver one or two decent crosses in the 2nd half and maybe luck into an assist, and then everyone suddenly thinks he’s a great player.
Im not gushing over anything but he has been fine in all the games I have watched. He is hardly the whipping boy I would pick on this roster (im looking at you Castillo). He brings some qualities to the team and has a solid work rate. Do I think he should start? Probably not but he should certainly be on the team
Yes, perfectly hit crosses onto the head of a striker are really lucking into assists.
+1
I know. There is NO PLACE ON THIS TEAM FOR A GLORY BOY who provides width to a team whose best attackers like to work in space.
You are out of your mind. Have you watched any of the games? Or are you one of those Highlight-Reel “experts”
Zusi has been marvelous for us out wide. Remember Jamaica last year? What about his game against mexico? (you’ll remember the highlight of him sprinting 40 yards to our box to clear away the ball)
He is consistent, as well. While he might not have that superstar flair that other players have, he is the best player (not counting Donovan when he’s up for it) we have for that position.
+1
How dare someone have a contrarian point of view!
+1 both are valued national teamers
ThatkidNandez is that you?
Give me a starting line-up of:
——————Jozy——————–
Johnson—–Demps—–Donovan
———-Bradley–Jones————-
Beasley————————-Evans
————Besler-Brooks————
Thoughts:
1. Evans has the spot until he loses it. He has earned it and it’s up to him to make enough mistakes that Klinsi is forced to change his mind. I don’t think Evans makes it to Brazil, but he’s solid for us now.
2. People putting a two-man midfield of Bradley behind Dempsey is crazy. No way does that midfield last in Costa Rica or against a desperate Mexico.
3. Donovan has earned the right midfield spot over Zusi and Bedoya. And to me, Bedoya is better than Zusi at the moment.
4. Brooks over Gonzo who has made too many mistakes for club and country. Brooks stepped up well in Bosnia. Let’s continue seeing what he’s made of.
5. Beckerman is in because we need a defensive midfielder to toss in with 10 mins remaining. Corona is off because he lost his starting role for club and we have enough right wingers at the moment.
Brooks was so-so in Bosnia, and hasn’t been getting the minutes for his club team of late. I say he’s a late sub to cap-tie him.
If that was only so-so, then definitely bring him on as his good days will be outstanding!
He’s been fantastic lately for his club, he was subbed out in the 23rd minute of their last match against Hamburg for tactical reasons. And he was better in Bosnia than Omar’s been for the USMNT lately.
——————Wondowlowski——————–
Wondowlowski—–Wondowlowski—–Wondowlowski
———-Wondowlowski–Wondowlowski————-
Wondowlowski————————-Wondowlowski
————Wondowlowski-Wondowlowski————
+1
——————Altidore——————–
Wondowlowski—–Wondowlowski—–Wondowlowski
———-Wondowlowski–Wondowlowski————-
Wondowlowski————————-Wondowlowski
————Wondowlowski-Wondowlowski————
I just think Jozy is more likely to score in a big game. Other than that I agree with your lineup.
God I hope you are wrong about the left side.
he isn’t. that is exactly what you can plan to see. beasley is the starting LB for the USMNT. it is what it is. and JK likes FJ playing at LM because it pays off every time.
Agree with everything but i thought Brooks picked up a knock in his last game. A hamstring if i remember correctly. Id still start Gonzo but give Brooks an 80th minute cameo to cap tie him. I believe Brooks will be our started CB at the WC but a bad hammy could be VERY problematic.
Nope, tactical sub according to Hertha Berlin’s coach…no injury to Brooks
Basically what I would like / expect to see, based on the call-ups. Maybe Cameron for Evans, but I don’t have strong feelings about starting one versus the other. I also wouldn’t be surprised to see Donovan as the second striker and Dempsey on the right. Landon still has a gear that Jozy and Clint lack.
Evans doesn’t make many mistakes. That’s why he can play right back, because it’s certainly not due to his attacking ability, crosses, or speed. He’s just always in position, although he does ball watch a little.
Where is Wondowlowski?
Looking for his lost W.
hasn’t been funny since the game ended
It was funny. And it will be funny again!
…it’s a little funny.
Well, AJ didn’t score for Alkmaar before the match was abandoned today. But at least this happened…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6-sw9oIgg4
Wow! GK red carded for kicking the guy that came running on the field at him? That’s ridiculous!
Actually I’m a dummy and didn’t read properly. That match is from two years ago. Today’s match apparently was abandoned due to fire.
Cool video though, huh?
When I saw Altidore in the video I knew it wasn’t this game, lol
I think the red card was rescinded, but it’s pretty stupid to assault someone … even idiots on the pitch.
Yes, assaulting someone sucks but you have no idea if that dude is a psycho or not. Usually people running on the field have something wrong with them!
he was a skin-head that wanted a piece of the latino golie, well, he got what he deserve.
The good thing about johannson now is that Dempsey better be on his A game and not disappear like he does often.
Although the rope is long with Dempsey, I agree.Same with JJ and Cameron.
You mean the second leading scorer in US national team history who has scored more goals from mostly midfield in 9 years than Wynalda scored from striker in 10? That Dempsey?
If anything the presence of Bacon will push a 30+ Dempsey to keep up the form he’s had for the US under Klinsmann.
Did you SEE Johannson against Bosnia? That Johannson? Dempsey better be on his A game for sure.
I think people can quibble with one or two omissions, like Goodson, but that is about it.
Overall…good strong roster for 2 of the toughest games during the hex. nobody should lose their s**t b/c corona and goodson are staying home.
At CB, the difference between those called in and Goodson is slim. It’s nice to have Goodson, who could step up in the event that Gonzo gets injured again or Brooks or Orozco stop playing for their clubs.
I think Castillo and not Corona getting the call up means that the potential for FJ at RB, Beasley at LB and Donovan/Zusi on the wings has increased… it basically comes down to which 2 of 3 players would JK rather have on the field Zusi, Beasley or Evans? I assume Donovan and FJ are locks to start …
Zusi and Beasley have gotten enough playing time to 2013 to warrant some incumbency benefit of the doubt versus Evans despite his above expectations RB play…
Donovan, Zusi, Beasley, FJ on the outside> Donovan, FJ, Zusi, Evans or Donovan, FJ, Beasley, Evans
beasley is a lock at LB. FJ will be at LM. LD and RM. there is no way Johnson plays RB, especially given JK listed him as a midfielder. that says to me, JK will play FJ at LM.
Zusi may be over his injury, but his form isn’t. Bedoya over Zusi in my mind. I don’t think Klinsi would bring Castillo, Beasley, and Johnson to play Johnson at LB and bench the other two.
Altidore – AJ
Zusi – Dempsey – Donovan
Bradley
FJ – Besler – Omar – Evans
Howard
Score goals.
Yes, Dempsey and Donovan can link up at times with Altidore when they want to put pressure on, but we know by now not to leave him hanging solo in a 4-5-1. He’s a beast with someone to work off of.
Zusi’s trying to gain fitness and out of form coming back from the injury. You’ll see Bedoya before you see Zusi right now.
Why’s he on the roster then? Players who are gaining fitness don’t make JK’s rosters. He got 90 last weekend and should again this weekend. Bedoya played great the last few matches, but Zusi>Bedoya in the pecking order.
Not sure if you guys noticed this but Bedoya played right back for Nantes against PSG and played extremely well. I think we have to seriously think that if bedoya plays there all season and plays well he’d be at the forefront to start there, especially if cherundolo falls off and TC keeps denying call ups! Bedoya defiantly has the work rate, is more than capable in a attack but would need to hone his defending! What do you guys think?
You would think it would be a more natural position for him. He can attack, but he isn’t great at it, and his work rate and defense are very solid. It almost too bad he has played midfield up until now.
I have been hoping for this since I heard he played wingback last week. For a winger he is solid in defense and I think it is worth a shot.
Hmmm…wasn’t Nantes playing a 3-5-2? Wingback in a 3-5-2 and right back in a 4 back set are different animals. Bedoya definitely displayed an admirable work rate and was involved for Nantes when they went forward, but I don’t know if that translates into being a full time right back for the USMNT.
As an example, Christian Maggio has been a beast for Napoli (also a 3-5-2) the last few years, but has struggled mightily when playing for Italy when they employ a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1.
they were. completely different system.
Dolo, Chandler, Parkhurst, Cameron, Castillo, Fabian, DMB,,Torres, Orozco, Evans.
These are the guys who played full back the most for JK.
Dolo and Chandler are probably the most talented all around fullbacks on that list. They have not been around for a while and may not be around for a while. Which leaves us with essentially a bunch of converted midfielders. This works for JK because he likes his fullbacks to be basically withdrawn wingers or wingbacks if you like. JK’s emphasis is on attack so he is not interested in all out defensive fullbacks..
All of which means Bedoya, Zusi, or LD at right back make sense for this team. Those three are all reasonably creative and at right back, they get more time and space.to do just that. All three are good defenders ( LD is probably the best tackler on the team) and all three are quick enough to get back and cover when required.
Definitely would add an incredible element going forward.
Very interesting… Bedoya is a great player and i could see him filling in at RB but i think we could be better in the attack. Evans is interesting cuz he has never done anything wrong but we are still looking for his replacement!
Switching between a 352 (US will never play) and a 442/4231 is never easy but why not give him a shake.
Evans, Cameron, Bedoya, Orozco all in camp and trying out for the RB job
that was only tried for 18 minutes then they went to back to their usual formation. Bedoya can ran all day but he doesn’t have a fifth gear that a true fullback should have.
I dont understand how Beckerman is always selected. He has average pace, average defensive ability, and below average passing ablility over any kind of distance. Kljestan can play anywhere in the midfield and can bring some creativity later in a game when we need to break down CONCACAF teams that park the bus.
I’m not a big Beckerman fan. But it is hard to deny that he had a great Gold Cup showing.
Sure but is there any real reason to think Kljestan couldn’t of had just as good of one?
But a coach doesn’t just pick on conjecture. Beckerman actually did it.
So starting for a team that will be playing in the Champions League doesnt count? Beckerman had a good Gold Cup against subpar competition.
actually, against competition we will face, Costa Rica
Well is it really fair that Beckerman gets to show himself against teams like Cuba and Kljestan’s only recent minutes have been against teams like Belgium and Bosnia.
I can’t believe I’m in a position of defending Beckerhead, but here it goes:
Frankly Sasha doesn’t bring anything special to the table that Beckerstaud doesn’t. He doesn’t score for the NATS (although one could argue he brings some offense, lets face it, not against quality opponents). Sasha doesn’t have pace, like Bedoya, or even Corona. What Beckerstein does bring is a defensive crunch, that works against slower teams. That, in and of itself, is why he makes the team and not Sasha.
Beckerman is an extremely poor man’s Claude Makalele, but he has his place, provided the opposition isn’t world class.
I agree.
I agree…I fear he will give a Ricardo Clark-like performance in a game should he make the World Cup roster.
I think EJ has the best odds right now of making a careless giveaway in the midfield leading to an opposition goal.
This. He has definitely improved but he has at least two terrible giveaways every game. Maybe he should lay off the step overs and try to make a decent pass.
I hope he doesn’t get the chance to play in the WC at all.If he’s oh behind Jones Bradley and Diskerud as this roster suggests it just might happen.
Not saying Beckerman should start… however, IMO, he is unfairly assessed by some NATS fans. His passing precision and ratio of forward/positive passes to square (or back) passes is likely better than we ‘see’, and he recently (yes, it was the GC) added some well-struck assists to his overall play. My sense is Klinsi trusts him to do his job – settle play, make tidy passes that retain possession and maintain defensive shape. If one buys this line, not surprised he’s consistently called up and has a good shot at making the WC roster. Anyways, think folks tend to underweight his positive attributes. That’s all.
Cheers y’all.
Beckerman is one of the best destroyer-cdm’s we have. I would consider starting him in Costa Rica. At this point he is more consistant in the defensive midfield game than Jones (and card free) and could allow Bradley to focus on the play creator duties.
Kljestan is competing against Mix to back up Bradley (or to be the late game spark sub for the center of the park). Beckerman is competing against players like Cameron, Williams and Edu to back up Jones. Williams hasn’t been playing much and just landed at a new club (in the second division) and Edu is injured. As long as Evans can go at right back from the start, in the event that Jones is unavailable for Mexico, I would expect Cameron the start next to Bradley. If Jones and Bradley both receive cards in the first game, things get interesting for Mexico.
In the event things get “chippy” (entirely plausible) and yellow cards start flying, does JK have the option to bring in other players for the Mexico game?
What about if these articles are true, that Brooks will miss the Mexico game, can his spot be replaced?
I never know these rules
What article says that Brooks will miss the Mexico game?
Kicker in Germany had a quote from the Hertha coach that JK had agreed not to take Brooks to Mexico. But that may end up being BS.
Here’s a link to the German version:
http://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/bundesliga/startseite/591343/artikel_hertha-will-ramos-halten—wagner-vor-unterschrift.html#omsearchresult
It’s not a tournament. He can bring in anyone he wants.
After looking at the match reports here are the 9 players carrying a card.
Howard, Besler, Cameron, Evans
Bradley, Jones, F Johnson
Dempsey, Altidore
Like you said I would hate to see Besler or Cameron get a card and have to miss the Mexico match AND Brooks leaving early…..This could put us in a bind. Makes you wonder if you sit some of those guys for Costa Rica to make sure they can go against Mexico.
No way. Qualification is all but academic at this point so, although it would be nice, it’s not necessary to win both matches. These two games are a great learning experience for WC play- pick up a yellow in the first and second group games and you sit the third. Guys need to learn how to play with that pressure now as opposed to sh***ing the bed when it really counts. I think JK also trusts the depth in the squad enough at this point to put the best XI on the field regardless of card accumulation.
I don’t think JK sees qualification as academic nor should he.
He wants to win at Costa Rica because that would leave him with three “must tie” games. Those would then be games where he can afford the kind of complacent attiude you want to promote for this Costa Rica game. These guys are supposed to already know how to play wih a yellow under pressure.
But a loss at Costa Rica coupled with a bunch of yellows could leave JK with a weakened team for Mexico who will, in all likelihood be fighting for their lives in Columbus. What if Altidore, Dempsey, Bradley and Jones all of whom are in card danger are not available for Mexico?
If the US lose there, with two losses it gets more iffy than any US fan should want..
I wasn’t promoting a complacent attitude for the CR game. On the contrary, I was saying it should still be all hands on deck, play the best XI to win the game. If a few guys pick up yellows and are suspended for the nex match their replacements should be more than adequate to get a result at home against a struggling MEX side.
I get what you’re saying about these players being professionals and they should know how to play under pressure, but the reality is that playing in CR in a WCQ match is going to be a new experience for a good amount of the players on this roster.
Also lots of cards are possible. The last qualifier that Marco Rodriguez did he issued 7 cautions and 1 send off. The Honduras v Jamaica game in June.
Whew, thanks for the info. That’s scary.
Castillo, orozco, Beasley, Bedoya,Johnson wtf 🙂
Is this the first time JK has had just about everyone available to him, including Donovan and Dempsey? He must be salivating. So many attacking options… Something we haven’t been able to say about a US team before.
Well, isn’t this roster just a bunch of crap.
Starting XI I would send out..
——————-jozy—————-
Donovan—–dempsey——bedoya
———-bradley——jones——–
FJ——-besler——-gonzo—-Cameron
Zusi is coming off the injury and bedoya looked solid against psg. Cameron getting the starts at full back for stoke. With fj pushing forward that left side will be nasty.
I think this is what we will see, unless JK pushes FJ up to the wing and slots in Beasley.
Just about what I would pick, and I would be happy to see this line-up Fabian and Cameron as fullbacks. Speaking as Jones fan, I’m not sure. He has been weak lfor Schalke. So I might go with this.
——————-jozy—————-
Beez-—–dempsey——Donovan
———-bradley—Beckerman or Mix—–
FJ——-besler——-gonzo—-Cameron
Did you see his quality on the pass for shalke’s goal against paok? Can’t see beckerman starting, period. I feel comfortable with Cameron as rb and jones as cm and Beasley on the wing is not happening. Only other line up I could see happening is what alocksley said.
Doesn’t it seem sane and sensible for Klinsmann to discard his big secrecy routine and name the roster before the final weekend of games ahead of a USMTN camp? I just gotta ask the question: All you guys who were defending Klinsmann the past year, saying it made perfect sense for him to wait until Monday afternoons to name the roster, don’t you feel kinda stupid now? Come on, admit it.
??
Nothing changed. ESPN just wanted to do a segment and had this time slot before COLLEGE FOOTBALL starts.
You see so many conspiracies man. Who cares when the roster is released.
I couldn’t care less when the roster is released. You do realize that the people who are called up were informed before the public, right?
The US has a historic 12 game winning streak. As long as they stay unbeaten, Klinsmann can name the roster any time he wants as far as I’m concerned.
lol. You heard it here, folks, from bona-fide USMNT fans. Who cares when the roster is released 🙂
Why is this an issue? Are betting on the roster composition?
The so called early roster releases are useful to the gambling industry.
The players and their clubs get sufficient notice to make arangements.
Otherwise consider it like getting to open a Christmas present. Getting it too soon spoils the anticipation.
I don’t care if they ever release the roster.
Not too much of a surprise considering the regulars will play, with Donovan now added to the mix. But, seeing Goodson omitted with his familiarity and ability to give depth is a surprise.
Clearly Bacon and Brooks aren’t going to start.Brought in to get aquainted with the squad/system.Down the road Brooks will get a chance to start and Bacon a chance at one of the wide spots.
Brooks either starts or plays at some point. Not “clearly” anything. He needs to be cap-tied.
Brutal road qualifiers are not the place to experiment. I agree with Dudester. Though either would make a good super-sub.
Brooks comes on in the 88th+…
He’s leaving after the CR game, JK isnt calling him in to sit for one game and go back to Hertha. He’ll play at some point, but wont start.
I didn’t say he wasn’t going to play.But “clearly” with 2 days training with the US in Bosnia he’s not gonna start either game.
Don’t forget, Brooks hasn’t been getting the regular minutes for his club team at the moment, either. Might not be in the best form.
Unless US are up comfortably late, there’s no sense in putting Brooks in just to cap tie him. He’s accepted at WCQ call-up, he’s committed.
Let’s not call him Bacon anymore.
Can we please call him Iceman instead of Bacon… its sounds so much better.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
How about Bacon cakes ?
I second that.
I would have made only one change–Corona instead of Diskerud. The reason is that it will be tough for Diskerud to come from northern Europe to playing in Costa Rica. Secondly, with the game against Mexico, Corona and the other Mexican League players will be familiar with the Mexican players and will have experience playing against most of them. Finally Corona has experience playing in South America in very hostile environments during the Copa Liberatadores.
Since Corona plays wide with the US, he was beat out by Bedoya who’s coming from France.Diskerud took Torres’s spot.
Anybody else surprised that Orozco and Castillo beat out Corona and Goodson?
Not surprised at all that Castillo and Orozco got called in, but I was wrong on Brooks.
http://www.soccerbyives.net/2013/08/should-septembers-qualifiers.html#comment-1290007
Not really.
Corona was not competing for any of those spots. He was competing against the only available midfield spot–the one Donovan took.
Goodson is interesting, but I think it might be that with Brooks and Cameron and Gonzalez–Klinsmann has the tall CBs he is looking for.
I thought Orozco looked fantastic in the GC, I wasn’t sure why Klinsi went with Goodson instead, but the fact that he did does make this surprising. Not surprised about Castillo, JK clearly likes him (although he likes Corona too) and he is left-footed.
plus Orozco can play RB if needed. He provides some nice versatility on the back line and played very well at the GC too, like goodson…. and getting into MEX heads too obviously lol
Am I surprised?
Orozco, not really — he’s proven very effective agains El Tri in the past.
Castillo, yes, but considering FJ is listed as a midfielder it makes sense.
I’m more disappointed about Beckerman getting called above Kljestan, and I bet RSL fans are, too. Unlike a lot of folks, I don’t wail and gnash my teeth at his callups, but I feel that with Cameron and Jones we’re pretty much covered at the #5 and Kljestan brings an element of possession that Dred lacks. Plus, he missed a lot of club time for the Gold Cup.
Brooks could start seeing as he’s going back to Berlin . Glad to see LD back. Johannsson to get cap tied. Demps back in.Looking like FJ will stay as that LW/LM.
Bacon is cap tied regardless if he plays. he filed his one time switch, hes ours for good now.
I like Johanny Football, or The Iceman better.
iceman’s OK, johnanny football? maybe the worst one yet lol
“Bacon”? Please explain the rationale behind that sobriquet. What am I not hip enough to get?
He looks a lot like Kevin Bacon.
Damn! And I thought I was the one hitting the pipe too hard…Johannsson doesn’t look anything like Kevin Bacon.
Maybe to some folks, pasty dudes of No. European extraction all look alike. High as I am, at least I can see the huge dissimilarities.
Better come up with a more appropriate nickname.
“Aron Bacon” was his nickname in Denmark.
maybe less bong hits bud….
Because he looks just like Kevin Bacon. There were earlier videos in which he said that he had a nickname of “Bacon.”
Maybe we can call him Footloose.
Johanny Football!!!!
Iceman is funny, but feels kind of mean. We don’t call Mix “Fjord Tough ” or something equally geopolitical/silly
Fjord Tough gave me a nice chuckle. Definitely one I will try to coin with the friends.
Johanny Futbol
Brooks is the one that has to be cap-tied if IRC
Correct. He is the only one on this squad who isn’t cap-tied to the US.
Is Tim Chandler injured? Something is up if he continues to not play for us.
Nope. Just that he just started only one game for Nurnberg.
He got cap tied when he played in Honduras so it’s not like he is holding out for a call up from Germany. I think he just hasn’t been playing well enough to get the call from Klinsmann.
Nonetheless, I continue to be concerned that we have only one natural full back on the roster.
I just got word from my journo friend who freelances for USMNT, Serie A, Bleacher Report, and Bundesliga is that Klinsy isn’t happy with Tim because of his snubs, and has therefore decided to exclude him from the national team. In the long run, who knows if he’ll come back to the fold, but my source said that Juergen has no plans to call him up anymore.
yes he is…in the head!
It’s either
———-Jozy———
FJ——Dempsey——-Donavan
—–Jones—–Bradley
Beas—-Besler—–Gonzo—Evans
———-Jozy———
Donovan—–Dempsey—–Zusi
———Jones———Bradley—-
Beasley—–Besler—-Gonzo—-Evans
FJ instead of Beas on the second one
Love Beas but think Dudester’s got it right.
Or I could see FJ and Beas starting on the left with Donovan on the bench and then a sub that for Beas, moves FJ back to LB and Donovan on the wing???
Thankfully you are not the coach !!!! 🙂
You think JK will just put LD back in the starting 11 after not being with this WCQ group since last fall? I don’t know man. I know LD did great in the Gold Cup, etc etc and I would sure have the guy in there but that doesn’t seem like Jurgen’s M.O….especially in regards to Donovan.
I think the first one is right. Donovan will on Evans’ side because Donovan will be pushing high more often than F. Johnson on the left. Beasley will overlap a lot more. Also, I think Brooks starts for Gonzo in CR.
I think Beas will start at LB for the time being.Hopefully not in Brazil though.By that time we will hopefuly have found someone to play LM so FJ(the only player I trust at LB) can play defense.Those players can be Shea Donovan or even Johansson.
I know Klinsmann likes Jones and will start him. Although I have backed J Jones against some criticism here in the past, I really think we would be better off with
Cameron taking his spot because I fear J Jones won’t keep his cool and will get at least one yellow and it could be worse.
All for Bradley and Cam playing in friendlies before Brazil.Not during WCq’s though.Better stick with what we know in JJ and Mike no expirementing in important games.
Really surprised to see Diskerud and Beckerman over Kljestan. With all of Klinsmann’s talk about playing Champions League football, maybe it’s not all that important to him after all. I thought Kljestan came on and looked pretty good in Bosnia as well.
You misread Klinsmann. He said, “Champions League football (asterisk).”
The asterisk means, “with an ‘important’ club.”
Well with only 2 americans in it, I didn’t know we could be so picky
Who all is carrying a yellow card into the Costa Rica match
Pretty much everyone that was called up. We could be playing Mexico with 9 players
+ whatever members of the Columbus Crew are available and eligible.
I missed it how was ESPN’s coverage?
Wasn’t terrible. They had Klinsi on to interview him.
Bottom line – it’s good news for soccer in this country if they are televising the announcement for rosters for a WCQ.
Agreed it’s good news. Has the roster release even been televised?
But the bad news is that the actual game (v. Costa Rica) is on a random channel that few folks have.
Wouldn’t know, they advertised it as ESPN SportsCenter and it was actually on ESPN News–a channel so few people get.
The coverage was well done. They committed seven minutes to the announcement with Keller live via satellite and Klinsmann live via phone simultaneously. They announced the Forwards and mids first, had a brief discussion, then announced the defenders. Keller and Klinsmann both did a good job, as did the anchors. I wish we would have heard from Klinsmann more, but overall it was solid.
They also had on Kasey Keller for comments. However, it was a pretty short segment and not a whole lot of discussion from anyone.
Would liked to have seen them ask Kasey what he really thought once Klinsmann was off the phone. I’m sure he would have had some opinions to share.
Like what?
This is a silly comment. I doubt Kasey Keller really cares which fringe player was left off in favor of another fringe player.
It is not in the least silly. You don’t think he might have some opinions about who to start and where? He’s not going to get into a back and forth with JK, but Keller is a smart guy. I would like to here what he has to say. Frankly, I have no notion why you think it was silly…
Who cares what Keller thinks.
Keller has been working part-time as JK’s goalkeeping coach. He’s not gonna say anything differently whether or not JK is present.
Unlike the guy above you, that is a reasonable comment.
Beggars can’t be choosers I guess but it does piss me off when they say they are going devote some time to something soccer related and then its a bunch of fluff. I missed the announcement because I was sitting on ESPN instead of ESPN News and they were discussing minute intricacies of the NCAA’s ruling on Manzel (I’m sure I butchered the spelling) and comparing it to other rulings and all kinds of crap. That alone lasted like 15 minutes. Then when soccer comes up they just announce a quick fact or two and then cut to something else and forget about it entirely. Gotta start somewhere I guess but judging by the summaries I’m guessing I would have been disappointed. Maybe do it on ESPNFC so some analysis can be done at least?
———–Jozy—————————-
———————–Dempsey———
FJ————————————–LD
———–Jones—-Bradley———–
Beas——Besler——?——-Evans
—————-Howard——————-
i would bank on something like that.
that’s it, and the only question is either JAB or Omar starting next to Besler
Besler’s the only CB with a YC. Why would he be the lock to start?
Agreed. I think Besler is held out of the first game so he can start against Mexico. I would bet we’ll see JAB in his place at Costa Rica.
Have we ever benched a player for being on a yellow? You play your best XI. No sense in a self-imposed suspension.
because he’s the starting CB. i don’t think JK is going to base his starting XI on that. he still has options for the Mexico game. i just don’t see him doing it.
He will start, if he gets another yellow he will sit the Mexico game. I think the Brooks comment that he may go back to Germany after the CR game is IF AND ONLY IF Besler doesn’t get a yellow, if he does, I believe Brooks will start in his place vs Mexico. That is my hunch.
That should do. And more bacon it is then.
Should we read much into the position designations? Fabian Johnson was listed at midfield for Bosnia, but started at left back, right? I’m just thinking if Dempsey and Donovan are both slotted at forward, someone is going to be left on the bench.
Dempsey and Donovan at FWD while Jozy sits? Are you taking crazy pills?
Donovan or Deuce will probably be played out of position on the wing, but Donovan would be more effective there than Clint would.
I think LD is in better form that Dempsey but I think LD and AJ will be coming as subs, Bedoya is going to start as RW.
Bedoya beats out Corona Shea is not ready due to gametime and fitness.Bekcerman over Klejstan and Torres.Goodson has gone the way of Bocanegra.
Yanks abroad tweeted earlier that Brooks is leaving before the Mexico game, does anyone know why?
just an agreement JK made with Hertha
http://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/591343/artikel_hertha-will-ramos-halten—wagner-vor-unterschrift.html
Think it’s a solid roster that should be capable of getting the results.
Somewhat surprised to see the inclusion Orozco and Bedoya/Diskerud at the expense of Goodson and Kljestan.
I’m surprised at Kljestan’s omission from this roster especially.
1.) Our top 3 CMs (Bradley, Jones, Cameron) are on YCs in a match with a card happy ref.
2.) Kljestan played very well against Bosnia and continues to tear it up at the club level.
Does Donovan start?
Considering he is the most in form attacking player we have at the moment, he’d better.
I would have liked Corona instead of Zusi.. I’m glad Goodson was left out. Although I would take him before Gonzo. Brooks & Orozco are my back line choices.
Besler has been our best CB, no way he’s lost his starting spot yet. I see Brooks as a late sub.
You don’t sub centerbacks in WCQs unless there is an injury. My guess is if Brooks plays he starts in CR where it won’t kill us if we lose. JK has a track record of taking chances on players in games that aren’t must wins.
you do if the CB is JAB and you want to cap-tie him because he won’t be at the mexico game. certain circumstances dude. i would bet on him coming on as a late sub. maybe even he starts.
I agree. Even if the game is tight I would bet the house Klinsmann plays him and ends the discussion now. I think it is a good sign that JB even accepted the invite as the implication of any WCQ is inherent that it will forever tie you to a country. This fact certainly was in his mind earlier this year when he declined both invitations and repeated the feat again for Bosnia. I am quietly getting ready to pop the cork on adding a CB for whom the sky is the limit and could conceivably be in a US uniform for 4 World Cups. (See how far ahead of myself I am?)
Yeah, the circumstance he comes in as a sub is if we’re down or up 2 goals. No way a sub gets wasted on a CB if the game is close. He either starts or waits till October in my opinion. My bet is he starts.
you could be right. i just think JK does it anyway.
This post makes no sense to me. Corona instead of Zusi? Why? Zusi was consistently one of the best in the last round of WC qualifying and easily provided the best service into the box. What has Corona done to elevate him above that? I’m fine with Goodson being left out, though I liked his strong GC. But then you say Brooks and Orozco for CB? What? Neither has shown more than Besler, who, IMO, is the clear #1 at this point. And Besler/Gonzo in the back is still undefeated in WC qualifying.
Corona above Zusi – Brooks & Orozco above Besler/Gonzo. It’s like the last time we were playing meaningful A team games has been forgotten.
Does Klinsi start Brooks to get him cap-tied? Can’t see him accepting a call-up just to ride the pine, no?
Start? Maybe.
Klinsmann has shown to have no problem with tossing a young person into the fire. Could also see him brought on as a late substitute if the match is in hand.
below is a link someone else posted earlier. basically says JAB will leave after the CR game. there is no way JK doesn’t sub him into the game in CR. i would think.
http://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/591343/artikel_hertha-will-ramos-halten—wagner-vor-unterschrift.html
He doesn’t need to start to be cap tied. If he comes in during the 89th minute in either game that will do it.
That’s a bit obnoxious… a sign of bad faith.
We might as well start him with Gonzo in Costa Rica. I’d rather have Besler available for the Mexico match than risk his getting a YC away at Costa Rica.
Why no Clarence Goodson he is better than Michael Orozco
Orozco can play CB or RB in a pinch.
can’t wait to see this team play. little bummed that corona got left back. also surprised to see castillo. if we get enough points to qualify, lichaj better get a shot in october. no more excuses.
Jurgen might be prepping for Castillo at LB.
Goodson was a pretty huge omission for me, not because I rate him (I don’t) but because he played so well in the GC.
agreed
Undoubtedly it was Brooks who edged him out. Omar may not have played as well as Goodson recently, but JK clearly expects Omar to have a real future with the team.
There are really only 3 CBs on this squad: Matt Besler, John Brooks, Omar Gonzalez. True that Geoff Cameron and Michael Orozco *can* play CB, but JK seems more interested in using them as utility players who can fill multiple positions off the bench. It’s an intriguing alternative to the usual strategy of bringing 4 CBs.
Yep. And if by WC time Williams or Edu has edged out Beckerman, then you probably don’t need both Cameron and Orozco because your back up #6 can play in the back line also. That creates a spot for another midfielder like Shea, who I think would be handy to bring on as a late sub if you need a goal.
Hmmm.
Beckerman out/Williams in (or maybe Edu)
Orozco out/Shea in
Intriguing. Of all those moves, the only one I think JK is really keen on is making sure he has Shea on his team. And he keeps Cameron no matter what.
Can we get a situation where the play is called Johnson to Johannson to Johnson.
World will fall off its axis.
Brilliant
In the words of Sir Ian Darke at the WC but Johnson style… (Sean Johnson, Fabian Johnson, Eddie Johnson and Aron Johansson)
Johnson, distribution brilliant. Johnson bring it forward for the USA. Can they do it here?!? To Johansson. Centers it. And Johnson is denied again and Johnson scores!!!! Goal Goal USA!!!! Oh it’s incredible.
(Something along those lines…Sean Johnson being Tim Howard, Fabian being Donovan, AJ being Altidore, and EJ being Dempsey.)
I would say, Don’t get your Johnson caught in a ringer over this. I’m already sorry I wrote that.
Come Play With Our Johnsons!
Preferably against Jamaica which has at least one Johnson in the squad.
Goodson not even called in!
+1
Only way I like the call is if he is planning on starting Brooks at CB.
That’s likely since Besler’s on a YC.