The January training camp for the U.S. Men’s National Team is about a month away and we know the roster will be filled with Major League Soccer players. However, it is always interesting to see the wild cards that coach Jurgen Klinsmann throws into his roster. The camp will commence with a friendly against Canada on January 29th in Houston, but some of these players will be called on in hexagonal World Cup qualifying just a week later. Here is a look at some players we could see as well as some we would like to see.
Goalkeepers
Sean Johnson – He has been called upon by Klinsmann before and will have completed a training stint in England.
Bill Hamid – He was a bit shaky in the MLS playoffs, but solid throughout the season.
Steve Clark – As much as we love Nick Rimando his age is playing against him. My colleague Pete pointed out that there has been buzz around Clark, so this would be a great time to see what he is made of in net. The Michigan born native has been the top choice goalkeeper for Tippeligaen side Hønefoss BK since last March. If you’d like to know more about him, he has his own wordpress site.
Defenders
Omar Gonzalez – He played well in the MLS Cup and now it is his audition to partner with Geoff Cameron in the back.
Matt Besler – I have been pulling for Besler for some time now and the MLS Defender of the Year could be the competition Gonzalez needs to bring out the best in both. The two would make a great pairing in central defense for the friendly.
Steve Beitashour – He caught Klinsmann’s eye last fall and the impressive record of the San Jose Earthquakes had to keep him in the conversation.
Kofi Sarkodie – Kofi Kwarteng Frempong Sarkodie has lived up to his top ten draft pick status and was a standout for Houston in the MLS Playoffs. He has also been through all the U.S. youth teams making him a good fit.
Midfielders
Mix Diskerud – This seems like a no brainer despite his club status being unsettled. He can create and would be an asset to this squad.
Joshua Gatt – Players from Scandinavian countries will be available and Gatt has long been a target. Now that his first cap is under his belt, he should be more settled and provide width for the January friendly.
Oct 20, 2012; Washington, DC, USA; D.C. United midfielder Chris Pontius (13) chases after a ball during the first half against the Columbus Crew at RFK Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Paul Frederiksen-USA TODAY Sports
Conor O’Brien – This is Richard McGovern of Philly Union Talk. O’Brien is in the midst of transfer talks and has turned down a couple offers, but his ultimate goal is to be a part of the USMNT.
Graham Zusi – He will be a big part of the World Cup qualifying efforts so it makes sense to put him in the camp.
Chris Pontius – Pontius was a target in the fall and he should be recovered from injuries that ailed him in the MLS playoffs. His grit and consistency would be good in this camp.
Alejandro Bedoya – Bedoya’s attacking mindset may work well with a squad that could employ speed on one side and smarts on the other wing. His move to Helsingborgs proved to be beneficial to the midfielder with 13 national team caps.
Kyle Beckerman – He’s a Klinsmann favorite.
Forwards
Eddie Johnson – He got his chance and made the best of it. He is now in the mix to be a key player in 2013 and 2014.
Juan Agudelo – We last saw Agudelo looking like a refreshed player. That vigor puts him on the squad.
Chris Wondolowski – He keeps telling people that he is still in discussions with Klinsmann so this would be the perfect time to bring him along and give him a chance to show he belongs.
Terrence Boyd – Since Boyd is available and performing well with Rapid Vienna this seems to be a good guess.
What do you think? Who are some other names that might take the place of those listed above? Will Bruin? Jack McInnerney? Amobi Okugo? Nick DeLeon?