The Gold Cup will begin on July 4th against Grenada. Bob Bradley and his staff can use this as an opportunity to evaluate players on the fringe of making the 2010 World Cup roster, as well as looking at young players that could play be a part of the next qualification cycle.
I have eliminated players based on the following, which the USSF should replicate:
-Players who have consistently played for their European club and played in the Confederations Cup
-All MLS players currently on the Confederations Cup roster
-Any player under consideration for the U20 World Cup
Goalkeepers: Brad Guzan, Marcus Hahnemann, Troy Perkins
Guzan is a lock but needs to get more experience. Hahnemann and Perkins are the leading candidates for the third spot, and this competition could determine the front-runner.
Defenders: Clarence Goodson, Geoff Cameron, Michael Parkhurst, Michael Orozco, Heath Pearce, Marco Vidal, Steve Cherundolo
Bradley needs to sort out the back-up center defenders. Goodson has been having a great season in Norway and Parkhurst is always reliable. Cameron has anchored MLS’ best defense and would provide an attacking option from the back. Orozco should be given a further look.
Cherundolo, pending his health, needs to get some time. Orozco and Cameron can back-up if necessary. Frankie Simek is an option but is also battling injury concerns.
The left back position is the weakest in the player pool. Heath Pearce, who is currently without a club, needs to showcase his skills. Vidal, who plays for Indios, should be a given a run-out to see if he can add depth.
Midfielders: Freddy Adu, Stuart Holden, Colin Clark, Robbie Rogers, Brad Evans, Chris Pontius, Pablo Mastroeni, Dax McCarty, Santino Quaranta
The holding midfield role will be occupied by Mastroeni and McCarty. McCarty is quietly having a good season for FC Dallas.
Adu should be given the entire tournament to see what he can do as an attacking midfielder. Holden can also fill in.
The player pool is in desperate need of speedy wingers who can stretch the game for the US against certain opponents. Rogers and Clark are capable of doing that on the left side. Holden should be given the most minutes on the right side.
Strikers: Kenny Cooper, Jeremiah White, Cam Weaver, Robbie Findley
Cooper needs to have a good tournament to prove he is capable of scoring at the international level. Findley is having a good MLS season, but his sprained ankle could keep him off the roster. Weaver is a bit of a long-shot, but he can score goals and hold the ball up.
Do you see any glaring omissions? Should other MLS players be given a shot? What about some of the other European players? Comment below.
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Pretty nice post. I just came across your site and wanted to say
that I’ve really liked reading your posts. Any way
I’ll be subscribing to your blog and I hope you post again soon!
I agree mostly… but have a couple of other ideas…
On the left wing, what about Brad Davis from Houston? He’s been on target and providing dangerous service into the box.
Up front, I think one player who should get an pass on the “elimination rules” is Jozy Altidore… if for no other reason than to get more time on the field to impress… so he can actually get some playing time in the fall.
In the back, what about bobby boswell? Great as a sweeper in the back… and is always threatening on set-pieces.
I must admit I’m a dynamo fan… but they’re the best in the league in current form.
@Jenna – thanks for the kind words
@michael – Davis and Boswell were on my shortlist. But it would be harsh for the US to take both center backs. Cameron is younger and is really good at getting forward, something that is unique to the US player pool.
-Tim (Soccer Academics)