This Week’s FIFA13 USMNT Roster
By Doug Smith
Last week we started sharing the rosters that FIFA 13 gives for the U.S. Men’s National team. Once again, we know it is a video game, but this is still interesting. It seems like a lot of German squads were not consulted and even my created player was not called in. A handful of these players were in the roster we posted last week, so some of this will be a repeat.
Goalkeepers
All three the same from last week.
Brad Guzan (Starter) – Guzan has been named to many camps under Jurgen Klinsmann. His recent play has been great at Aston Villa considering the team’s overall defensive ability is poor. Some may even say his club for has been better than Tim Howard. He was the starter for the friendly match.
Tim Howard – He has been the stalwart and his national team form has been unbelievably solid. Could Guzan ever take over as the number one? Form and age would say no.
Andy Gruenebaum – The Hebrew Hammer seems to be an unlikely third choice. He plays for the Columbus Crew and was drafted in 2006. He became the first Major League Soccer keeper to give up a goal to an opposing keeper during the run of play. He started 33 matches for the Crew this season.
July 28, 2012; Kansas City, KS, USA; Columbus Crew goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum (30) returns the ball after a shot on goal during the first half of the soccer match against Sporting KC at LIVESTRONG Sporting Park. Columbus won the match 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Defenders
Only two of six are the same.
Connor Lade (Starting Right Back) – The New York Red Bulls player does not have the height and struggled some in the MLS Playoffs, but had a rather solid year. He seems to understand a system and when to make a run. Lade had 30 appearances in all competitions. He was called to the u-20 club while in college, but never made an appearance.
Clarence Goodson (Starting Center Back) – Even the video game is giving Goodson another chance. They must be hoping for his one international goal each year, minus 2012.
George John – John was recently rewarded with a new contract with FC Dallas, but has had some injury concerns. When healthy he is one of the better defenders in Major League Soccer. He is still eligible to play for Greece as well.
Chad Marshall (Starting Center Back) – The Columbus Crew captain is a veteran and finished second to Clint Dempsey for Rookie of the Year in 2004. He is the 2008 MLS Defender of the Year. Marshall has caps for the under-17 team all the way up to the National Team. His first cap with the National Team was in 2005 but had to wait four years until his next in the Gold Cup. He received Gold Cup All Tournament Honors.
Gabriel Farfan – The 24 year old has nine caps with the under-17 squad but has not seen action since 2005. He now plays with the Philadelphia Union and started 22 matches this season.
Fabian Johnson (Starting Left Back) – No explanation needed.
Midfielders
Four of ten are the same.
Mix Diskerud – Diskerud scored the equalizer in Russia and seems to be a great piece to the puzzle. He has a lot of playmaking ability and could be what Jose Torres has yet to be for this team. In real life, Diskerud should be on many future rosters.
Clint Dempsey (Starting Attacking Mid – 10) – Dempsey is back on the roster and in the midfield. Would that work in this set up?
Joe Corona (Starting Left Wing) – Fans have got to know Corona through under-23 competition and recent camps under Klinsmann. He also just won the Mexican Apertura With the Xolos. He seems to be a key for future rosters.
Geoff Cameron (Starting Box to Box – 8) – Video games always have a way to through a nice twist in there. Cameron has midfield experience and was thrown in the roster as such.
Michael Bradley (Starting Defensive Mid – 6) – Even a video game can’t screw this one up.
Dilly Duka – Dilaver is of Albanian descent and currently plays the the Columbus Crew. It seems Klinsmann favored Crew players in this roster. The New Jersey native has 13 caps for the under-20 team and one cap for the under-23 team.
Jermaine Jones – Jones seems to work well as a substitute here.
Osvaldo Alonzo – The Honey Badger defected to the United States in 2007 and was team MVP for Seattle in 2010 and 2010. He covers the pitch but can be a pest. Would he have the same role as Jones?
Brian Span – Span is a 20 year old that plays in Sweden. He was a member of the U17 residency program in Bradenton. However, he was passed over for a Generation Adidas contract from the MLS, which led him to Djugårdens IF. He made his debut with the squad on May 20th of this year.
Luis Silva – The Toronto FC player is a surprise even on a video game. He made 30 appearances this year after being selected 4th overall in the 2012 MLS SuperDaft. He was also arrested for public intoxication while in Houston this year.
Forwards
Chris Pontius – After his great season with D.C. United Pontius did receive a call up but was too injured to respond. He is definitely on the radar, but has not made an appearance under Klinsmann.
Teal Bunbury – He has four caps for the National Team, but has been left out of recent camps.
Landon Donovan (Starting Right Wing) – Back with Dempsey? That almost seems unreal. We like it though.
Will Bruin (Striker) – He would have to be more assertive than in the MLS Cup, but a little confidence seems to go a long way for Bruin. He would be asked to set up Dempsey in the given set up, but would have a chance to deliver the dancing bear after a goal as well.
So what do you think? The starting line up is intriguing. It seems more attacking than we have grown accustom to under Jurgen Klinsmann.