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Who should Klinsmann call up vs. Mexico?

USMNT XI vs. Panama 2015

By FRANCO PANIZO

Jurgen Klinsmann took a closer look at the bulk of his European-based players in March, and this month he will get a chance to see his MLS contingent up close and personal.

The U.S. Men’s National Team meets with arch-rival Mexico next Wednesday for the first time in a year, and the two CONCACAF powerhouses will play in front of a sold-out crowd at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. For Klinsmann, the match presents another opportunity to gauge a sizable portion of his player pool ahead of this summer’s Gold Cup title defense.

With the game being a one-off that falls outside FIFA’s international calendar and the U.S. camp lasting all of a few days, Klinsmann might go with a smaller roster than usual. Even if he doesn’t, the squad will be comprised of mostly MLS- and Liga MX-based players whose clubs will be more willing to release them for international duty.

While Klinsmann will be able take a look at regular players like captain Clint Dempsey and Michael Bradley, the friendly also provides an opportunity to further experiment. Klinsmann has said he wants to continue to try new things out, and the surely-intense match against El Tri’s domestic-based roster provides an ideal platform to do that.

Who will get the call? Here are the 22 players SBI could see being called in for the friendly against Mexico:

PROJECTED MARCH 2015 USMNT ROSTER

GOALKEEPERS– Nick Rimando, Bill Hamid, William Yarbrough

The goalkeeping position, as it usually does, seems pretty straightforward. Rimando should again be the No. 1 option and behind him will likely be the stellar Hamid and newcomer Yarbrough. If Klinsmann decides to leave the proven Rimando with Real Salt Lake to further evaluate how his younger crop of goalkeepers are doing, throw Sean Johnson into the mix but expect Hamid or Yarbrough to get the nod.

———–

DEFENDERS– Omar Gonzalez, Matt Besler, Michael Orozco, Ventura Alvarado, Ike Opara, DeAndre Yedlin, Brek Shea, Greg Garza

Jermaine Jones and Steve Birnbaum are recovering from injuries, and yet Klinsmann still has plenty of options to choose from, especially at centerback.

After playing in last month’s friendlies, Orozco and Alvarado figure to be brought back into the picture by Klinsmann to see how much they can push for starting spots before the Gold Cup. Primary options Besler and Gonzalez should also be in the mix here, especially Gonzalez, who has not been with the U.S. since October.

The fullback spots might seem tougher to fill, but many of the regulars that have played there for Klinsmann in the last few months should be available. Garza and Shea will both likely be called in, and Yedlin will probably be brought over from Tottenham, just as he was during the winter camp. If Klinsmann wants some cover at right back, he could call in Brad Evans or Michael Parkhurst.

Lights out Sporting Kansas City centerback Ike Opara could be the one wildcard selection, with Klinsmann bringing him on board just to start integrating him into the group.

———–

MIDFIELDERS– Michael Bradley, Mix Diskerud, Kyle Beckerman, Miguel Ibarra, Wil Trapp, Joe Corona, Perry Kitchen

How Klinsmann deploys his midfield in this one will be interesting, but expect Bradley to be at the heart of what tactical setup the U.S. coach goes with. Diskerud seems a likely partner after being skipped over in last month’s friendlies, though there’s a chance that Beckerman gets the nod given how much better the Americans seem to play when there’s a true No. 6 on the field.

There are not many wide options – though Shea can double as one here – but Miguel Ibarra can slot in on the left and a returning Joe Corona on the right. Graham Zusi, a regular under Klinsmann last cycle, misses out due to a minor injury that he’s dealing with.

Klinsmann almost always includes youngsters in his camps to help further their development, so Trapp and Kitchen seem like good bets here.

———–

FORWARDS– Clint Dempsey, Gyasi Zardes, Juan Agudelo, Chris Wondolowski

With there being no official word as to the availability of Jozy Altidore (red card vs. Switzerland), Klinsmann may be forced to field a team without his top striker. Dempsey should help in that regard after recovering from his injury, and he’ll likely be accompanied by Wondolowski and Zardes. Juan Agudelo could also earn a call now that he’s playing regularly at the club level again, and after showing vs. the Colorado Rapids this past weekend that he can still deliver magical moments in front of goal.

———-

What do you think of this roster? Would you like to see someone called in that didn’t make the cut here? Should Klinsmann call in Green?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

    • It’s debatable who better suits the opposition, blends with what the team will need and is trying to do v Mexico. I’d take Zardes but, I can see the argument for Wondo. That said….. it’s a friendly, early in a cycle. It’s not about right now so much as it is about long-term upside… this summer and even more so Russia. Is there a realistic shot of Wondo being the guy or a major contributor for Gold Cup? Pretty darn remote. In Russia? Zero.

      Reply
  1. Arriola, Moreno, Virreal, Shipp and maybe Vasquez for call-up.

    But stick to strong MLS and MX base with a couple minutes for the Rookies.

    Reply
  2. Who cares. The bigger issue is the new jerseys. I have never been one to criticize each new jersey like so many other people. I have basically liked them all in recent years. (Centennial jersey was the best.) But even I have to draw the line on a black and white home jersey. Black and white?!?!?! This is the worst home and away combo in quite a while.

    I like Nike but wait a minute.

    Reply
  3. I like Agudelo up front, with Jozy out. He has size and has shown his ability to hold the ball up. He’s not Jozy, but he can play in a similar enough manner that the team can play the same way.

    Reply
  4. Benny is better than almost every midfield player save MB90, listed. His countinued absence from the National team picture is a travesty.

    Reply
    • I love me some Benny, too, but word on the street is that he’s a spikey personality. i could see that not going over well.

      Reply
  5. If its MLS based I like to see:
    —Hamid—

    ??? ——Hedges—–Besler—–Shea

    ——–Mix——————–Bradley——–

    Zardes——-Dempsey——-??

    ???

    A lot of question marks for me.

    Reply
  6. While Wondo has not scored goals at the rate he did from 2010-2013, he is still the second most prolific scorer among US eliigible players in MLS this season. (actually he is tied with Dempsey at 3 goals scored, but has played 5 games to Dempsey’s 3).

    Everyone knocks Wondo for being too slow, not skilled, or whatever, but in the same league against the same quality competition, he is always at the top or near the top of the list of US goal-scorers. It is hard to honestly ignore that kind of goal production consistency, even if last year was (for him) a poor year with only 13 goals. (Last year, only Nguyen, Zardes and Dempsey finished ahead of him in US elegible players in MLS scoring.)

    Reply
    • He’s had a great MLS career but at 32, I just don’t see much of a future there. He’s probably not a starter and hasn’t shown to be a game changer off the bench. Let him stay in San Jose and focus on that. In the new building it’s important they have a good year.

      Reply
    • Regardless of his goal scoring exploits in MLS over the past handful of years Wondo has always been a disappointment at the international level with the exception of 2 games against very week opponents (S. Korea C team) and some minnow in the last gold cup.
      Now add to it that he’s 32 and in poor club form and there is NO REASON to ever see him called in again.

      Reply
      • Jack,

        So Evans let Wondo score? Or is Evans so bad that everyone who plays against him scores?

        So you think that anyone can make penalties?

        I’ve seen Aguero blow penalties but Wondo makes them. What does that say about Aguero?

      • First I said, I don’t think Wondo’s in bad form. 2, Evans is starting to develop in the position but he was comically bad in the match. Scoring a PK is easier then from the run of play.
        I just think when you break it down he’s not it great form either.

  7. Anyone else think since Jozy’s probably out that Klinsmann may call on Christian Ramirez from Minn U? Maybe even Jordan Morris?

    Hoping Kelyn Rowe gets a call up, as well

    Reply
  8. Bill Hamid is the best American goalkeeper at this point in my mind, and should be starting for the USMNT from here on out. I definitely have him as ahead of Nick Rimando, and MLS agrees, as Hamid was named MLS Keeper of the Year. Tim Howard, who I believe has dropped in form since World Cup, should no longer be considered part of the USMNT player pool going forward, especially since he himself has “semi-retired” from International play.. That just leaves Brad Guzan, who might be playing for a Championship team next season. So my question is: Who would you rather have as your keeper for Russia in three years? : the #1 keeper in MLS, who is a physical freak of nature with superior reflexes, or a goalkeeper who is plying his trade in the Coca Cola Championship?

    My vote is for Hamid.

    Reply
    • Guzman for me. I think we forget how good he was when he stepped in for Howard last cycle during his injury.

      Reply
    • Hamid is still young for a GK. I think he still needs seasoning on things like positioning. Guzan won his job at AV by taking it away from Shay Given who had been a starter for a long time in the EPL. He won it not because Given did badly, but because Guzan did so very well when given a chance in things like the FA Cup. If I remember correctly, he stopped 3 penalty shots in a penalty shootout and that gave him his chance in league games. I think it was the season before last that Guzan was selected Player of the Year by the team’s fans. Many people thought he was most responsible for keeping AV from being relegated that season. Hamid may have to wait until 2022.

      Reply
    • Guzan is a better keeper.

      Experience is a much bigger deal with a keeper than an outfield player and in the that area Hamid can’t come anywhere close to Guzan.who has faced and still faces some of the best attacking players in the game on a regular basis for quite a while now..

      And it i not as if Guzan is not physically gifted himself

      If Villa get relegated there is a very good chance Guzan will be sold and there will be no shortage of suitors.

      Reply
    • Miami Al,

      By the way, apparently Howard is changing his mind about retirement and has been talking about wanting to play in Russia in 2018.

      If that stays true and it becomes a battle between a highly motivated Guzan and Howard, it will be very difficult for anyone else to get into the fight for the #1.spot..

      Reply
      • GW….Re: Howard ‘changing his mind’… Look at the way JK handled Lando’s hiatus…. Do you really expect to see Howard coming back for a WC in 3yrs?

      • Gill King,

        It’s up to Timmy.

        Originally, I figured Howard would play another year or two with Everton and then move on to other things.He said as much a number of times.

        Then he got hurt and came back and now is playing very well it seems. He then gave an interview where he said he wanted to try for Russia 2018. Maybe being forced out made him realize how much he would miss it and want to give it one more try to make Russia.

        Whatever. If Timmy’s body holds up and he maintains his form for another three years, then Guzan will have a fight on his hands for the #1 spot and the real race will be for the #3 spot between Hamid, Johnson, Yarborough and whoever else is taller than 5’9”.

        You wish to compare Timmy’s hiatus to LD’s?

        Timmy handled his better.

        Timmy left right AFTER the World Cup , when the team certainly wasn’t going to miss him and said he would be back in a year or whatever. He gave JK plenty of time.to find a successor if he was so inclined.

        And Timmy has plenty of time to fight his way back into the team if he wants to and if he doesn’t, Guzan is a more than capable replacement.

        LD’s timing and execution were far worse. He left JK with very little time to figure out his team for WC qualifying and never said when or even if he would be back. JK had no real replacement for LD and no clue if he was even coming back.
        So JK basically had just started the job and then had to move on without his best player. And so he did.

        I don’t think the two situations are comparable.

    • IF Villa go down to the Championship, it won’t be Guzan’s fault. They have a pitiful goal-scoring record this season — even with Benteke up top. Moreover, he was the biggest reason why in the two prior seasons that Villa stayed in the EPL.

      Reply
  9. 2 names not mentioned but considering they were in the last group I wouldn’t be shocked to see. Green because I don’t think Hamburger will care and then Jordan Morris who Klinsmann keeps calling in. Not saying they should or will be called in, I just wouldn’t be surprised either.

    Reply
    • Morris has not been playing and is very likely “out of form”, he should be busy studying at Stanford. I can’t read JK’s mind but I really doubt he will call Morris in for a 3 day affair.

      Reply
  10. its a weak mexico team so i would like to see an actual experiment in the midfield with bradley, mix, and corona. unfortunatly its gonna be the same thing with beckerman, bradley, and dempsey being disposed at every turn

    Reply
      • I beg to differ…..just to recap, Mexico hasn’t sniffed a win against the US since we choked the GC final away in 2011 so every Mexican national team roster since then to me needs upgrading!

  11. Not a prediction but a 23 I’d like to see:

    GOALKEEPERS- Sean Johnson, Bill Hamid, William Yarbrough

    DEFENDERS- Omar Gonzalez, Matt Besler, Michael Orozco, Ventura Alvarado, Ike Opara, Brek Shea, Greg Garza

    MIDFIELDERS- Michael Bradley, Mix Diskerud, Lee Nguyen, Wil Trapp, Joe Corona, Perry Kitchen, Harry Shipp, Edgar Castillo

    FORWARDS- Clint Dempsey, Gyasi Zardes, Juan Agudelo, Charlie Davies, Tesho Akindele

    Reply
  12. First, some posts seem to forget that this is the SBI prediction. Also, we don’t know if any players have minor knocks or other things going on. With that being said, I agree that guys like Castillo and Ngyuen should get called in. I think I’d like to give Hedges a look see.. Don’t know enough about Shipp to join that bandwagon.

    Reply
    • this if the Franco prediction. Ives has his up on Goal.com and it is different. so i hope people don’t forget it’s a personal projection.

      Reply
  13. Wondo’s goal production in MLS has fallen off. It was always a no-brainer that the guy who scored more goals consistently than anyone else in the domestic league would get call-ups. Unless/until that prodigious goal production resumes, it is not clear why he is an obvious choice.

    Reply
  14. Hamid should start because he is probably the next #1 after Guzan has had his (well-deserved) turn. It’s time for Rimando to move aside — I love the guy, but if we are looking to the future, its time for him to step back.

    Reply
  15. Can someone hack into Klinsmann’s phone and delete Wondo’s contact info? He offers nothing to the national team that cannot be replaced. I’m starting to tire of Rimando as well. He’s got no starting future has been far from impressive of late. It’s time to phase him out soon and give some playing time to a younger keeper.

    Reply
  16. The best call up ever for the u.s would be el loco Bielsa or cholo Simione or any coach third division would be a major improvement.

    Reply
  17. 1. I’d like to see Hamid get the start. I was not impressed with Rimando the last couple of games.
    2. Even though I’d like to see Shea get another run at LB to get more familiarity, the lack of wing options means he will probably play LW. Garza also shouldn’t be completely thrown under the bus after Denmark.
    3. Jozy should play despite his antics in the last game (I don’t really get why the article’s thinks he won’t be available, it was a friendly).
    4. I’d really like to know who is better right now at the top of the diamond, Nguyen or Mix.
    5. Wingers- Who knows. I guess Ibarra and Zardes?

    Reply
    • Although I admit to not tracking Lee Nguyen’s national team career closely, the one international contest I recall seeing him in suggested to me that he isn’t suited to the international game. My impression was he got pushed off of just about every ball and lacked the grit to battle to regain/retain possession. Admittedly, it was a small sample and I don’t think anybody’s international career ought to be evaluated based on just one game, but I have a fear that is likely to be the constant state of affairs where Nguyen is concerned. I’d love nothing more than for him to prove me wrong.

      Reply
      • Absolutely agree. The sample size is miniscule and I’m hoping it does not portend a larger trend. Sometimes coming into a game with an established flow it is easy to get lost and for the game to pass you by. I am hoping it was just that and not something more serious. We could use Nguyen’s creativity, but not at the expense of fragile possession.

    • +1000000000 He’s too old, too short, and too slow. Don’t get me wrong he’s ok for the MLS, but let’s give Yarbrough a true run out.

      Reply
  18. i have to ask, why is it likely Yedlin would get called in? he has been playing with the U21s and his interview with SiriusXM FC didn’t make it seem like he would be able to come. sounds like he is starting to get his chance now that he is settled and fit.

    i also see no reason why Castillo should not get a call and I’d rather see Morris than Wondo. given Vogts’ comment on him, i can’t imagine they won’t want him in this camp. that all said, if Jozy is cleared, he goes over both Morris and Wondo.

    also, did Trapp go out injured last night? i really don’t get the need for Bradley, Beckerman, Kitchen, and Trapp. i’d rather see Nguyen in for Beckerman. and like others have said, Shipp is an interesting option that should be considered.

    Reply
  19. Why Ibarra and Wondo? Also, Yedlin should stay at Spurs and continue playing, even if it’s for the U21s. Spurs U21 team has a game on the 17th, he’d be better off playing in that one.

    Reply
  20. what is it with the shipp and castillo fanboys on the SBI threads?

    to Mr. Panizo, you should probably refrain from typing the word wondolowski into any soccer related articles from here on out. A) dems’ how dey fall when you sky your chance to beat Belgium, and B) dude is OOOOOld. Is it really your view that JK brings him around again? or are you trolling us all?

    Reply
    • Shipp is one of the better young offensive players in MLS. I don’t find it unreasonable that some want to see what he can do at the international level.

      Reply
      • Not aChicago fan but I was impressed with the quality free kick against Philly last weekend that led to a goal. He should get a call up.

  21. You probably meant Worl Cup in your quote of “Besler and Gonzalez should also be in the mix here, especially Gonzalez, who has not been with the U.S. since the Gold Cup.”

    Reply
  22. Really hope Edgar Castillo gets a call-up. Dont think hes a top option at LB, but he could be good coming in to the wing off the bench. In the attack, he has always been solid and hes one of the best dribblers in the whole pool.

    Reply
    • Another benefit is that he, Garza and Corona have all played together at Tijuana and that familiarity could help when you throw together a bunch of guys without much training time.

      Reply
    • i wouldn’t mind him getting a call up, but since i feel Shea>Garza at LB; Castillo>Shea at LM but Shea>castillo at LW it all gets confusing depending on formation, lol

      Reply
      • DLOA,

        Why do you think Castillo is better than Shea as a left sided midfielder?

        Shea is always dangerous because he will attack a defense, he is big, long and fast, shoots well, crosses well enough, can score and is generally exactly the kind of guy defenders hate to see coming at them.

        Castillo is fun to watch but he can’t shoot to save his life. He’s had a few nice entertaining games for the US on the left side of midfield but I don’t remember him being particularly productive.

        I think of him as a USMNT version of Angel De Maria who can’t shoot or pass. Players who dribble as much as he does tend to slow down a team that wants to play high tempo. US players take too many touches as it is.

        I don’t really mind him on the team. He seems like a good guy and is definitely fun to watch but it’s just that there are so many better options.

      • in terms of better options at LM i agree, i was just ranking the 3 in terms of this game vs mexico. in a full squad i don’t think castillo plays. but i also think castillo over shea at lm cuz he’s more of a midfield than a lw, id want him to attack the left but look to cross or pass rather than have a goal threat there. kinda like how morales was used vs SUI. . basally i like Shea at the LW only if it’s a 433 to isolate his attacking skills, or as a LB to use his size and speed on defense with the overlapping potential pushing forward, etc. i feel like brek’s worst games for the NT were at LM in a diamond. when he was a LM/LW in a 4231 or a LW in a 433 (if ever that) he was at his best. hope that makes sense. overall, I’ve been a huge shea supporter even through his england days. he’s had the talent, just about elevating to his next level. glad he’s coin so now, but since the switch i see him as an all out attacking winger (late game sub perhaps when chasing– leaving the other 2 strikers on the field) or as a starting LB that gets forward at the right times.

      • DLOA,

        I see Shea as an attacking left back, a bigger , younger, DMB if you will, but I see where you are going.

        On SBI I think, not you, but other people make too much of isolated moments in a players career and generally do not take their overall career direction and their current form into account.

        Hence Rico Clark is vilified as a monster for one turnover, or a ill timed red card. The reality is he was a very good player for the USMNT.

        I’ve seen every game Shea has played for the USMNT. His first game made you wonder how he ever got signed to a pro contract and early on he was very inconsistent. He has bad hair, is somewhat flaky and also was a young stupid kid who struggled in England. Predictably the reliably vicious, bigoted SBI USMNT fans consigned him to USMNT butt boy status.

        And they don’t like to ever let people back out of there.

        Since Brek got his gig in Orlando he has been “trending upward”. He now has a regular club gig where he is playing well. He is also doing well for the USMNT seriously challenging a guy I thought was the first choice left back.

        But a lot of those vicious bigoted SBI USMNT fans are waiting for him to backslide to his earlier inconsistent ways. That can happen to any player but so far things look good for Shea.

        In comparison, Castillo has never really been close to being a starter for the USMNT.

        He started his USMNT career like Shea did but eventually worked his way into becoming a player that JK seems to retain an interest in.

        But he has never reached the same levels of performance for the USMNT that Shea has. He could at some point and I hope he does. The guy he is really competing with however is not Shea. It is Fabian.

        Still the US could always use a poor man’s Angel Di Maria.

    • No matter how good Rimando is, he’s never going to be an elite GK. The guy is too short. He’s like a fat Jorge Campos without the fashion sense. He constantly had problems on crosses that a taller goalie should easily corral. On Bendtner’s 3rd goal, IMO a taller GK would have been able to get their hands on the ball — not completely sure if they would have stopped the shot as it was struck w/ power, but they at least would have touched it.

      And please no more Wondo. This isn’t Belize or Cuba. I don’t care who JK pick as long as it isn’t the Belgium shanker.

      Reply
      • Goal keeping is about reading the game, anticipation and angles.

        On Bendtner’s third goal if Nick had taken a better angle he could have stopped that shot. I’m sure he’d love to be taller but if being 5’9 was enough to stop him from being top class, he never would have gotten as far as he already has.

        There are 6’2″ keepers who are a lot worse than him.

        l

      • How’s that old phrase go? “He has the heart but doesn’t have the legs.”
        For Rimando I would add that he DOES have about 20 extra pounds that seriously inhibit his ability to cover those angles that he reads oh so well.
        Some players have the foresight and grace to realize they’ve lost a step or two (see Twitchy’s current lay off.)
        I know we all want another Dos A Cero but let’s give the youth a shot. Rimando, Wondo, and Beckerman should not be on this roster.
        And yes, I realize this is just Ives’ projection…thank God for small favors at least.

  23. what’s with the uncertainty about jozy’s status? is there any precedent for routine suspensions carrying over from one friendly to another?

    everything i can recall says that jozy is available for the next match–what am i missing here?

    Reply
    • that said: if dempsey’s available, start him and zardes up top. i’d like to see what gyasi can do in an extended runout as the main guy up front. scoring against mexico would be a great boost for him.

      Reply
      • “With there being no official word as to the availability of Jozy Altidore (red card vs. Switzerland)”

        No official word, wtf?? shouldn’t there be a rule/protocol to follow?

    • Grant,

      So if Shipp is not called up for the US Mexico Friendly his USMNT career is over?

      And I suppose he will never get another shot at the USMNT.

      Seriously, for a 23 year old so early in his MLS career it really is shame that his national team career is already done.

      I wonder if Notre Dame have another pro ready prospect?

      It would be nice if they could be like Maryland and produce lots of USMNT players.

      Reply
  24. How about calling up a “first team” for the first time ever as USA coach? I know that sounds
    like a completely bonkers and radical idea but it might work!

    Reply
    • You see that’s just what all of the other coaches would plan for. But Klinsman is a trickster. “Oh, you think I”m going to bring my “first team” to the WC.” Boom no Landon. As a opposing coach you can’t plan for that

      Reply
    • It’s not a FIFA date, so there’s no guarantee that European teams would release any players. Any first team would certainly have to have F Johnson and Guzan and other likelies would be Chandler, Cameron,and Brooks.

      Reply
      • Geez, I forgot the last MOTM for the US–Bedoya. Add him and maybe AJ and you have more than half a team.

      • All of the players I named, except for Johannsson, are regular starters for their team. They would have to leave right after their weekend games, come play Wednesday night, fly back to Europe, maybe get in one day of practice before their next league game. If you were a manager would you want one of your starters to do that for what is, to the manager, a meaningless friendly? In short, almost no way.

      • GW i believe GP agrees with u and was just saying they wouldn’t be released since it’s not a FIFA date as a response to “suckhole” as a reason why it wouldn’t be a “first team” roster.

        by now i, personally, would be over explaining to the slow ones that don’t understand the idea that not every friendly can have all the first teamers, lol

      • He’s fine but if JK has stopped looking after a Jan camp where he was playing hurt, then he is a fool.

        Since this game is not in a FIFA window, JK may not be able to field a lot of the names on your list. I can’t see Toronto letting Bradley go or many of the other first tier players. WIth all the friendlies and the Gold Cup coming, clubs might just say NO to JK

      • Unless it’s one of these 2 games, MLS teams will not say “no”:

        Thursday, April 16, 2015
        New York City
        Philadelphia

        Friday, April 17, 2015
        NY Red Bulls
        San Jose

        It’s just not in their nature.

    • played pretty well vs Colorado last weekend. i believe that was his first game back, and it wasn’t an MVP game or even an absolute USMNT level effort – like he was most of last year – but defiantly looked 100%. id take him over Ibarra or Corona.

      Reply
  25. I would honestly rather see someone like Khiry Shelton than Wondo again. His veteran presence is really that important to the squad? He almost got into multiple fist fights against Panama. Great example to the young guys: lose your composure at every turn! Maybe Jozy was just pulling a Wondo against Switzerland: knowledge retention, so valuable.

    Reply
    • He should call up Miguel Herrera….as assistant coach. Then immediately fire himself so that Herrera takes over Team USA, who then hires Landon Donovan as assistant. Can you imagine the sort of over the top goal celebrations that would take place.

      Reply
  26. How about allowing Yedlin to actually spend time with Tottenham and train and give a look to someone like Kofi Sarkodie?

    Reply
    • +1 or Zach Loyd. Yedlin didn’t do his self any favors joining Spurs midseason in offseason shape. Leaving in January/February and again in April just burying himself deeper in the depth chart.

      Sarkodie, Loyd or using Alvarado at RB all sound like better options to me.

      Reply
      • beto,

        If you believe Pochettino Spurs plan to bring Yedlin along slowly so they don’t really expect him to be playing much if at all this season which is almost over anyway.

        Given that, Yedlin going over when he did has given him valuable time to acclimate to a new club, a new country and a new culture.

        Speaking from experience, starting a new job is hard enough without adding the pressure of moving to a foreign country. Many talented foreign players have failed in the EPL because they never “settled”. It tells you that Spurs value Yedlin if they are willing to give him this kind of time to get acclimated.

        Of course, he’d better try to get fit and acclimated as soon as he can anyway because you never know as Kyle Walker’s injury shows. Still, I don’t think Yedlin plays this weekend.

  27. I see Joe Corona….I see Juan Agudelo….I see Opara so I’m going to remain positive………and save my negative Klinsmann comments for after the 15th lol

    Reply
    • I like the roster with two changes. I’m not sold on Michael Orozco and I think Wondo is great in MLS and just not USMNT caliber. Don’t hate on me, I like the guy and respect what he brings to the game and to SJ. And it’s not just about ‘the miss’. He’s had plenty of times to impress and for me, he hasn’t. Would rather see a younger fwd like well, anyone. Give them a shot.

      Reply
      • Michael F – I agree completely with no hate. The jury is still out on Orozco and Wondo has been a humble servant for the USMNT, but I fear that his time has passed. Its time for the kids to get a crack at the squad. Wondo is an excellent goal poacher, but we need more than just poaching ability…just ask Tottenham Hotspur re: Roberto Soldado.

      • Orozco has been a steady player, I think the only time his game was subpar was when he was asked to play RB.

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