The United States have a set roster for the two games against Jamaica in the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers for Brazil 2014. The USMNT is currently in first place of Group A with four points after two matches played. Jamaica is the other favorite along with the USA to proceed into the next round and also has four points. If the USMNT wins its next two matches, it can secure a place in the next round. For the games to be played September 7th (8:00 PM EDT) and 11th (8:00 PM EDT), Jurgen Klinsmann chose the following 25 players:
Goalkeepers: Tim Howard (Everton), Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Sean Johnson (Chicago Fire), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)
Defenders: Geoff Cameron (Stoke City), Carlos Bocanegra (Racing Santander), Jonathan Spector (Birmingham City), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover), Clarence Goodson (Brondby), Maurice Edu (Stoke City), Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim), Michael Orozco Fiscal (San Luis), Michael Parkhurst (Nordsjaelland)
Midfielders: Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City), Jermaine Jones (Schalke 04), Brek Shea (FC Dallas), Joe Corona (Club Tijuana), Joshua Gatt (Molde), Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Jose Francisco Torres (Pachuca), Danny Williams (Hoffenheim)
Forwards: Herculez Gomez (Santos Laguna), Terrence Boyd (Rapid Vienna), Clint Dempsey (Tottenham Hotspur), Jozy Altidore (AZ Alkmaar)
Who’s Out: The biggest name not on this list is Landon Donovan. Although his game has deteriorated lately with the USMNT, Donovan is still a leader on and off the field, but he will miss these two games against Jamaica with a hamstring injury. DaMarcus Beasley who plays for Puebla in the Liga MX is also out of the list, but this is due to a drop in his play with the Mexican team who is in the bottom positions. However, winger Joshua Gatt recently got hurt and he could be substituted (although not necessary because 25 players are too many for a roster), and Beasley could take his place. Finally, Edgar Castillo who plays for Xolos of Tijuana will also miss the games against Jamaica, also because of a hamstring injury. Castillo was fundamental in the victory against Mexico in the Estadio Azteca but became hurt also in the Azteca against Club America a few days later.
Players to Watch: The first player that pops-up in this list is Joe Benny Corona of Xolos. This will be his first official match with the USMNT and the young player is slowly beginning to be a regular in Klinsmann’s rosters. He could be a game changer as he has played better with the USA than with Xolos. Another player to watch out for is Clint Dempsey. The controversial player sat out the first two weeks of the Premier League to force Fulham to trade him to a new club. Now with Tottenham Hotspur, Dempsey is ready to show his value.
Roster Analysis: This USMNT roster is based from players that play abroad. From the 25 chosen, only five play in the MLS, while three in the Liga MX, and the rest in different European teams. This is a talented squad where the goal-line is safely protected by Tim Howard. The defense has a lot of experience but also a lot of age, therefore younger players like Geoff Cameron can start to become the new leaders in that line. The midfield is fair, with the center being led by Jose Francisco Torres, while speedy Brek Shea will compose the attack. Finally, the offense is composed of Dempsey who nonetheless is the most talented American player. He will play right under Herculez Gomez who is going through the highest moment in his career. This roster has the talent to beat Jamaica the 7th and 11th of September.
