Prediction: USA Roster Vs Italy
By Doug Smith
Jurgen Klinsmann will have more players at his disposal to create a roster for the friendly in Genoa against Italy on Leap Day. The February 29th match will be a tune up for World Cup qualifying as the Italian squad prepares for European Championship matches. The U.S. squad is winless in 10 previous matches against the four-time World Cup winners. This will be a turning point for the National Team on the seven month anniversary of Klinsmann being hired as the head coach, but the direction in which the squad will move is uncertain.
This may be the first true indication of the first team squad as seen through the eyes of the Klinsmann. In the nine friendly matches under his watch, 43 players have been named to the roster. Since this is an international fixture date, most players are available (except the players on the U-23 team) and this is perfect timing for the National Team to find chemistry. Add in the factor that a game being played in Europe means no long flights for European-based players, Klinsmann’s roster will be a great indication for the team moving forward. It is unclear whether or not the team will carry three goalkeepers as well. The roster should be named later this week and this is our thoughts on the team.
Defenders
Carlos Bocanegra (Rangers FC)
Timmy Chandler (FC Nürnberg)
Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96)
Clarence Goodson (Brøndby)
Michael Parkhurst (FC Nordsjælland)
Tim Ream (Bolton Wanderers)
Geoff Cameron (Houston Dynamo)
Oguchi Onyewu is injured and Cherundolo missed the most recent Hannover match with an injured calf. This shortens the depth chart but Jonathan Spector and Edgar Castillo, who is playing well with Tijuana, are on the radar. Cameron is leaning on strong play from the January camp and is probably the first name off this list. Heath Pearce’s experience could also be in play to make the team.
Midfielders
Michael Bradley (Chievo Verona)
Clint Dempsey (Fulham)
Landon Donovan (L.A. Galaxy)
Maurice Edu (Rangers FC)
Fabian Johnson (TSG Hoffenheim)
Jermaine Jones (Schalke 04)
Sacha Kljestan (Anderlecht)
José Torres (Pachuca)
Danny Williams (TSG Hoffenheim)
It will be nice to see Donovan and Dempsey on the field together again in roaming roles. Jones returned to action with Schalke after his eight game ban and Klinsmann seems to love his style of play. Williams and Johnson have shown promise. Kljestan has starred for Anderlecht in Belgium, but has had few recent chances with the National Team. DeMarcus Beasley may get called in favor of Torres has a better chance if Klinsmann chooses to go with two ‘keepers with Kyle Beckerman also being an option.
Forwards
Jozy Altidore (AZ Alkmaar)
Edson Buddle (L.A. Galaxy)
Chris Wondolowski (San Jose)
It is no surprise that the forward depth is lacking. Robbie Rogers would have made the squad but sustained a concussion in his debut for Leeds United. C.J. Sapong could also get some consideration as he played well in limited time during the two friendly matches in January.
Goalkeepers
Brad Guzan (Aston Villa)
Tim Howard (Everton)
Nick Rimando could be called in if the team goes with three ‘keepers as he played a sterling first half in January for the National Team.
How do you see the roster? Thoughts? Let us know.