California: What If Your State Had a National Team?

Oct 4, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Jose Earthquakes forward Chris Wondolowski (8) celebrates with midfielder Sam Cronin (4), midfielder Jean-Baptiste Pierazzi (80), defender Pablo Pintos (16) and midfielder Matias Perez Garcia (11) after scoring a goal against the Portland Timbers during the second half at Buck Shaw Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Recap/Grading:

And now for the overall grades of California’s National Soccer Team (CNST for short)

Coaching Staff: A. Arena is the best MLS coach of all time, and although his subordinates are inexperienced, they will be able to relate to the players on a very personal basis; especially Donovan.

Goalkeeping: A-.  Rimando, Kennedy, and Frei are all top 10 goalkeepers in MLS.  Enough said.

Defense: A-.  Not exactly an all-star cast but very solid names nonetheless.  Pretty good through and through.

Midfield: A. Some of MLS’s biggest names are California natives, and Kljestan is an unrivaled presence in the CAM role.

Forwards: A. Two World Cup veterans, one past USMNT member, and one future USMNT member.

Leadership: A+.  Wondolowski and Rimando are both very vocal leaders, and the team has plenty international experience.

Depth: A+.  California may be the only team in the entire United States that can make a 23 man roster without having to dip into NASL, USL, or NCAA.

Overall: A. California is easily the team to beat at the “State Cup”.  Talent on the field as well as the sideline makes them virtually unstoppable.