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Brad Guzan, Brek Shea, Carlos Bocanegra, Clint Dempsey, Danny Williams, Fabian Johnson, Geoff Cameron, Graham Zusi, Herculez Gomez, Jermaine Jones, Joe Corona, Jonathan Spector, Jose Torres, Jozy Altidore, Kyle Beckerman, Maurice Edu, Michael Orozco Fiscal, Nick Rimando, Sean Johnson, Steve Cherundolo, Terrence Boyd, Tim Howard, US Soccer, usa roster jamaica
From US Soccer
Here is a brief analysis of the roster named by United States manager Jurgen Klinsmann for the next two World Cup Qualifiers, Friday and Tuesday against Jamaica,
Goalkeepers (4):
Tim Howard (Everton): Unquestioned number one for the team. Starter.
Brad Guzan (Aston Villa): Started for Villa over the weekend. Solid backup.
Sean Johnson (Chicago Fire): Will only be around for first match. Still, another learning experience.
Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake): Joining team for second match in Columbus. Won’t play but another veteran for the team.
Defenders (9):
Carlos Bocanegra (Racing Santander): The team captain but questions on his form because he was playing in Scottish 3rd Division before a loan to Spain.
Geoff Cameron (Stoke City): An immediate fan favorite and great debut in central midfield for Stoke. Should start at center back for the national team.
Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96): Lock starter for the right back spot. Captain of his club team and dependable veteran.
Maurice Edu (Stoke City): Played well at center back against Mexico, will probably be deployed at midfield but could play a few minutes in defense.
Clarence Goodson (Brondby): Strong in the air but probably a bench player with this roster.
Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim): Not well known to casual USA fans but he’s probably the team’s second best player on this roster behind Clint Dempsey. Will start at left back.
Michael Orozco Fiscal (San Luis): His game-winner against Mexico probably got him onto this roster. He won’t see the field.
Michael Parkhurst (Nordsjaelland): Helped his team qualify for the Champions League. Can fill in at right back or center back. Valuable backup.
Jonathan Spector (Birmingham City): A surprise selection by Klinsmann. Has experience at right back. Could also be useful in central midfield.
Midfielders (7):
Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake): A Klinsmann favorite. A simple player who plays mistake-free soccer and offers toughness on the field.
Joe Corona (Tijuana): One of the few wingers selected on this roster. Could be a late sub to provide some speed and stretch the field.
Jermaine Jones (Schalke 04): Scored against Jamaica in the 2011 Gold Cup. Has a two-way role in midfield for the US. He could be more offensive this time around.
Brek Shea (FC Dallas): Started the sequence that lead to the goal at Mexico. He could possibly start if Klinsmann wants his creativity and crossing on the left side.
Jose Torres (Pachua): A potentially bad matchup for Torres because of Jamaica’s speed and size. Torres hasn’t been playing well for the US and could see himself on the bench soon.
Danny Williams (Hoffenheim): Continually played out of position at right midfield when he’s best in a defensive role. Offers nothing on offense and shines when he’s given defensive responsibility.
Graham Zusi (Sporting KC): He could surprise many fans with his play in these games. Has familiarity with Jamaica because they brought in nine MLS players. Has a good defensive work rate and delivers well on set pieces.
Forwards (4):
Jozy Altidore (AZ Alkmaar): Maybe the most in-form American player in the world right now. His development at Alkmaar has been stellar. A good bet for at least one goal.
Terrence Boyd (Rapid Vienna): Scored two more goals over the weekend for his club team. Another tall and strong forward who’s physicality makes him a great bench option.
Clint Dempsey (Tottenham Hotspur): He hasn’t played a competitive match since June because of club turmoil. Remains to be seen what his fitness level is. Still, he’s the best American player in the world.
Herculez Gomez (Santos): Continues to impress for club and country. He scored in the last set of qualifiers and is a good bet to start the first match against Jamaica. A true poacher who’s always in the right spot to pounce.
Other Thoughts:
• Still no Eric Lichaj, the defender from Aston Villa. His inclusion could potentially move Fabian Johnson up to attacking midfield and help the offense.
• Michael Bradley and Landon Donovan are both injured and unable to play. They would be starters.
• Speedster Josh Gatt was called up but had to withdraw with a hamstring injury. He’s a player to watch going forward.
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