re: US Soccer Roster Discussion (for May/June 2012)

We're not calling in 28 players. Klinsmann will take 25 at the most, and more than likely only 23.

Scratch Rimando off the list. Typically MLS goalkeepers don't get called in to sit as a reserve during their season, especially one as important to his team like Rimando.

We might see Yeldell or some other little known Europe-based goalkeeper in the third spot.

Geoff Cameron might get another shout at centerback, even if he hasn't played that well for Houston this season. Word is that Edgar Castillo has been great for Xolos Tijuana, so he could be the reserve leftback.

I have a feeling Brek Shea might get a break during these upcoming games. He's looked incredibly gassed for FC Dallas this season.

Why call him in to play a total of 50 minutes against subpar competition and in meaningless friendlies, while forcing him to travel more miles than he should be? Save him for the fall and next year, when the qualifying gets out of the "Three Day Vacation to your Caribbean Island of choice" round.

Meh, I'd rather whatever our competition roster is start participating as cohesively a team as possible as soon as possible, but that's just me.

I just want to know why I'm the only one that seems to see this pattern with Shea, (I've only been watching him for about a year or two now to be fair) but he always seems to put for an excellent beginning to his matches, whether it's as a starter or a sub. He gives as much as he can for 30ish minutes.. and then looks worn out for the remainder of the game.

Does that not scream keep this guy on the bench until the 60th to you all?

ETA: And I'm not trying to criticize, I just think that's where he'll have the most success.

quote:

---

Well nevermind about the 23 man roster...

---

Per Ives:

quote:

---

Klinsmann will call upon as many as 29 players for a training camp to be held in Orlando from May 15-24 before picking a 23-man roster for friendlies against Scotland, Brazil and Canada and World Cup qualifiers against Antigua & Barbuda and Guatemala, according to U.S. Soccer.

---

Yet I get blasted in the Soccer Board Champions League.



For shame, fellow men. For shame.

If the roster is 29 men like Ives/Klinsmann are saying it might be:

GK
Howard
Guzan
Rimando

D
Lichaj
Chandler
Goodson
Bocanegra
Onyewu
Ream
Cherundolo
Parkhurst
Castillo

M
Donovan
Bradley
Torres
Jones
Edu
Shea
Beasley
Kljestan
Johnson
Williams (if healthy - out 4-6 weeks staring around April 25. If not, probably LOLrentowicz)
Beckerdreds

F
Altidore
Dempsey
Gomez
Wondolowski
Boyd
Agudelo (would not have added this on my own, but Ives is convinced it's a good possibility)

As for a starting 11, I would say the 4-4-2 (diamond midfield) was our most impressive formation under Klinsy (v Slovenia), but seeing as how we can't seem to find two forwards who operate well together (and Buddle's drop in form), I will probably call for a 4-2-3-1. I think this allows us to put our best 11 on the field at the same time.

...........................Howard..........................

Cherundolo......Boca..........Onyewu......Chandler

...................Bradley..........Jones............

.....Donovan...........Dempsey...........Johnson....

.............................Altidore.....................

*IF* we find someone who can pair well with Jozy (probably Gomez or Wondo based on recent form, but who knows), then I could see the 4-4-2 with the diamond midfield with Dempsey in the hole. I don't know who you drop between Bradley and Jones, though, since there would only be one defensive midfield position. Both have been playing really well lately for their clubs.

I also wonder if Whitbred ever gets a call up... he just can't stay healthy, though.

quote:

---

cwil177

---

Buddle will get a call up before Wondo and definitely before Boyd.

It's because no one likes a curmudgeon, Sheep

Charlie Davies in the mix at all? I would like to see him get a shot.

Meh not really. He's scored three goals since 2010, all in friendlies.

Compared that to an unfairly criticized Jozy, who has scored 5 since 2010, and two in competitive matches.

El Chosen Juan has two.
Gomez has two.

We don't really score much from the forward position anyway. It's probably our worst position depth wise.

DAMN YOU CHARLIE DAVIES' SCUMBAG BRAIN.