Hex Roster Tweet Reaction: USMNT Vs Honduras

Our initial thought this morning when Jurgen Klinsmann and U.S. Soccer released the 24-man roster for the first hexagonal match against Honduras was that there were no real surprises, especially given what we learned through social media.  The general consensus seemed to echo our thoughts, but it is always good to check out the critiques for different viewpoints.  There were some common themes and optimism.  So what are you saying?

Amazingly enough there was not a ton of moaning to be read as the same concerns were voiced about Landon Donovan and a gaggle of midfielders.  It was clear that Klinsmann went with experience and has a game plan.  Of course if you search you will always find a poignant opinion.

EJ is not often the target of criticism given his performance over the last year with Seattle and as a member of the National Team.  He did not have a good game against Canada, but not too many players did.  Johnson has often played wide for Klinsmann, so perhaps others have found the person that they would replace Johnson with on the roster.

Gatt was back in Molde rather quickly after the friendly with Canada so it was clear he would not be on the squad.  Perhaps he is expected to energize the Gold Cup squad this year.  Gatt was electric right off the bench but had a tendency to cut inside with no overlapping runs.  It was almost like he ran out of energy and just thought he could beat everyone to a scoring position.

Perhaps one of the biggest stories entwined in the roster is that of Timmy Chandler.

A tied Chandler gives the National Team the potential of locking up the outside back spots for many years.

May 30, 2012; Landover, MD, USA; USA forward Herculez Gomez (9) celebrates after scoring a goal against Brazil with midfielder Fabian Johnson (23) and midfielder Michael Bradley (4) during the first half of a men

Steve Cherundolo and Edgar Castillo are still in the mix, but getting Chandler committed to the U.S. is a vital step for success.  Chandler played a match yesterday in Germany and was one of the last to make it to Miami.  He basically made it in time to board the plane to Honduras.

Well I hope Sacha Kljestan made it.

So the National Team heads to Honduras trying to get off on the right foot.  What will the tactic be?  If they can escape with three points it will be a major step in the right direction, but a defensive minded midfield looks likely. Regardless they are in the sky now, hopefully focused on victory.

Well hopefully they win and get out alive.  Let’s not think about that; back to that optimism we spoke of earlier.