Jurgen Klinsmann Surprises Many With January USMNT Roster
The building up is over. Jurgen Klinsmann announced the 28-man roster for the USMNT January camp today. If there is one thing that immediately jumps out at fans, it is the grab bag of players Klinsmann chose. January is expected to be a trial for several players looking to make it into the regular rotation for the USMNT.
After reviewing the roster several times, a few names kept popping out at me about why Klinsmann even bothered calling them up. Of all those names, Chris Wondolowski and Brek Shea, out of many others, were the biggest names that bothered me.
Since returning from the World Cup in late June, Wondolowski scored nine goals during the 17 games he appeared in for the San José Earthquakes. Those numbers are not terrible by any mean, he also finished off the 2014 MLS season with 14 goals and four assists.
More from USA Soccer
- Latest El Tri-related transfer rumors include ‘Chucky’ to LAFC
- Is it time for Jesús Ferreira to test himself in Europe?
- Arsenal legend Thierry Henry hints at interest in USMNT job
- Proposed Víctor Guzmán-Jesús Angulo swap riles Chivas Nation
- World Cup Promo Code: Bet $5, Win $150 if Argentina OR France Win Semifinal Match
Wondo is now 32 and looking at his career starting to come to a close in the next few years. His addition to Klinsmann’s roster surprises many because of the little time he saw at the World Cup and even since that time. Obviously, if you wanted a player that has scored goals since the World Cup, choosing Wondo over say, Jozy Altidore, is a smart move.
With games against Chile and Panama during this short stint of USMNT Training, the younger and less experienced players will likely take the field in the second match. With players like Shea and Wondo on the roster, it is hard to fully gauge when either will play and how much time each will see the field.
Shea brought his playing career back to MLS within the past month as he now plays for Orlando City SC. The move back to MLS was considered a ploy to save his dying career. Now that he moved it back to MLS, Shea looks to make a positive impressive with Klinsmann and by earning his call-up now, it should help bring his career on the up and up.
More from Playing for 90
- Alexia Putellas reaches 400 games with Barcelona
- Everything you need to know ahead of the 250th ‘Super Clásico’
- Barcelona put five past Real Betis
- Manchester City suffer but come away with win over West Ham
- Baffling Liga MX ruling strips Puebla of a hard-earned victory
The former FC Dallas product has not scored a goal for the USMNT since collecting two goals back during the 2013 Gold Cup. Knowing he still has the scoring touch is nice, but is something he still needs to prove he can find again.
Shea tallied just one assist for Birmingham City city the 2014-2015 season began in England. Aside from that, he struggled to get his name on the team sheet for each game. The USMNT midfielder appeared in just six total games and started just two of those games. His career received a massive boost when he signed for Orlando City.
Both Shea and Wondolowski are headed in to two different directions with their respective careers. Shea looks to bring life back into his career, while Wondo looks to keep his consistency and reliability going. Two players that surprised many, now look to become regulars for Klinsmann and work their way back into a consistent rotation for the USMNT.
Do you like these two players making the roster or should two different players have made the cut?