Coach Jurgen Klinsmann announced the USMNT’s roster for the World Cup qualifying games against Costa Rica and Mexico scheduled for March 22 and 26, respectively.
This USA roster is very different from the roster that played and lost against Honduras last month in the first game of the final round. There are a total of 9 absentees who are out either with injuries or due to personal reasons (Landon Donovan). Other than Donovan, other players who will miss the next 2 matches are Tim Howard, Fabian Johnson, Carlos Bocanegra, Edgar Castillo, Steve Cherundolo, Timothy Chandler, Jose Torres, and Daniel Williams.
What does this roster tell us? One of two things; either the USMNT has an extremely difficult time earning points against direct rivals like Costa Rica and Mexico jeopardizing their World Cup? Or, a new era in United States soccer begins with younger players who are eager to direct their nation into victory. Although goalie Tim Howard will miss the games, the goal will be finely secured by either Brad Guzan or Nick Romando. The center defenders are high class, however this is a team that may suffer on the wings as they are missing key figures on the right and left wingbacks. The biggest problem with Klinsmann’s formation will be in the attack as they need a versatile player to supply opportunities for the forwards. One will have to keep an eye out for Xolos midfielder Joe Corona who may become the player the USMNT team needs looking into the future.
GOALKEEPERS:
Brad Guzan (Aston Villa)
Sean Johnson (Chicago Fire)
Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)
DEFENDERS:
Tony Beltran (Real Salt Lake)
Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City)
Geoff Cameron (Stoke City)
Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy)
Clarence Goodson (Brondby)
Justin Morrow (San Jose Earthquakes)
MIDFIELDERS:
DaMarcus Beasley (Puebla)
Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake)
Michael Bradley (Roma)
Joe Corona (Club Tijuana)
Maurice Edu (Bursaspor)
Jermaine Jones (Schalke 04)
Sacha Kljestan (Anderlecht)
Brek Shea (Stoke City)
Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City)
FORWARDS:
Jozy Altidore (AZ Alkmaar)
Terrence Boyd (Rapid Vienna)
Clint Dempsey (Tottenham Hotspur)
Herculez Gomez (Santos)
Eddie Johnson (Seattle Sounders FC)
