The U.S. Men’s National Team takes on Cuba today in Havana in the first of two October friendlies ahead of November’s World Cup qualifiers (4pm, ESPN2).
Ahead of its opening Hexagonal round matches against Mexico and Costa Rica, the USMNT will aim to stay sharp against a Cuba team it routed 6-0 at the 2015 Gold Cup. After solid wins over Guatemala and St. Vincent and the Grenadines in September, Jurgen Klinsmann has brought in a young, rotated roster into the friendlies to help determine who will make the November cut.
While much of the starting XI is as expected, two youngsters make noteworthy appearances. Without Brad Guzan and Tim Howard on the roster, Molde goalkeeper Ethan Horvath earns the start between the posts. Julian Green, in favor with his new Bayern Munich manager Carlo Ancelotti, also makes his return to the field after a prolonged absence. With those two earning time, likely along with several other young players looking to break in, Klinsmann will be keeping a sharp eye on who might perform their way into a roster spot for the Hex.
Here is your #USMNT Starting XI for #USAvCUB at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and @UniMas.
Lineup notes: https://t.co/O4S20bCaod pic.twitter.com/D2GlYM7bG0
— U.S. Soccer MNT (@USMNT) October 7, 2016
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