To say these next games we have coming up are important would be a HUGE understatement. Then again, what would world cup qualifying for the United States be without some nail biting, ulcer inducing drama right?
Below are the call-ups
from the last month’s qualifiers. The players in red are the ones I feel we
could do without. In the last bit I read from Klinsman he stressed how now’s not a time for tinkering and that he doesn’t really want to change up the core too much, which I understand. However, if it’s an outside
player who isn’t necessarily a regular starter or producing as an option off
the bench, then I don’t think a little change would hurt that much.
GOALKEEPERS (4):
Brad Guzan
Tim Howard
Nick Rimando
Sean Johnson: I don’t know why a team would ever need 4
GK’s on a roster. No slight to Sean on this one, he’s been great in MLS, just not his time. Yet
DEFENDERS (9):
Carlos Bocanegra
Geoff Cameron
Steve Cherundolo
Clarence Goodson
Fabian Johnson
Michael Parkhurst
Jonathan
Spector: Shoot, he's still probably wondering how the hell he made the last roster?
Maurice Edu: Played pretty poorly in the last two games, just
recently made the 18 for Stoke and still has yet to see the field in England.
Catch ya on the next go around Mo.
Michael
Orozco Fiscal: A move back to MLS, not a bad thing, back to the USMNT roster…
meh, not so much.
MIDFIELDERS (7):
Jermaine Jones
Jose Torres
Danny Williams
Graham Zusi
Brek Shea: He will probably get this call in thanks to
his familiarity with the squad and that he’ll probably even see time off the
bench, but Chris Pontius deserves Brek Shea’s call like yesterday IMO.
Kyle
Beckerman: Kyle Beckerman is to
Klinsman what Bornstein was to Bob. On second thought, I can’t even say that.
Bob didn’t really have a lot of options at the LB spot. JK has a host of
options that could easily and adequately replace Beckerman. I’d make a list,
but it’d be too long. Not International quality.
Joe Corona: I never get to see this kid play for us
or in Liga MX, so I can only go by word on the street. And the word on the
street is
FORWARDS (4):
Jozy Altidore
Clint Dempsey
Herculez Gomez
Terrence
Boyd, The Body has cooled
off a bit over there in Austria. I’m on the fence a bit with this one, but in a
“what have you done for me lately” world he probably shouldn’t get the call.
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Ah yes, now onto the
possible/definite replacements
Edgar Castillo, Michael Bradley, Landon Donovan: back from injury
Sacha Kljestan: So who wants to break up the defensive monotony in the center of the
field and help the team get into more advanced positions? Oo oo me, pick me!
But alas, I’m sure even if picked, he’ll only get on for the final 10 minutes and play
as a left mid or right back. We all know how Jurgen loves to play people in their preferred positions J
Conor O’brien: I’m told he’s a Stu Holden-esqe type player. The guy has been playing
pretty consistent as far as form goes since the end of last Danish season, I
don’t see why not. Oh, and I imagine that he’s better than Kyle.
Eric Lichaj:
Since JK came out and pretty much said we won’t be seeing him soon, I doubt he
makes this roster, but honestly, I don’t see why not.
Josh Gatt:
Doubt we see him, just now getting back with Molde. But it would be nice
Chris Pontius: This man has been a beast the past two seasons, broke his leg and
didn’t miss a beat. Likes to take on defenders. Would love to see him out on
the left wing.
Eddie Johnson: I can’t believe that I’m lobbying for this guy, but good form is good
form.
Mix Diskerud: See Klesjan (however he did just pick up a knock to his thigh, don't know how bad)
(Just for kicks) Aron Johansson: I hear he’s chosen Iceland, as I expected he would,
but as far as I know the US never came calling. I wonder what his stance would
be if Jürgen extended that personal invite? (tilts head up to sky, strokes
bread…)
There you have it folks, just a couple new faces I hope we get to see on the these October rosters. Feedback back welcomed
