The U.S. national team player pool: A closer look

                                                                                         Photo by ISI Photos

If you are still absorbing the ramifications of Bob Bradley's 30-man player pool for the U.S. national team's upcoming friendlies, you might want to consider some of the factors that went into this group being selected, as well as what exactly the pool is.

For starters, there is not going to be some mega-camp where all these players will converge. This group will never actually be together. It is simply a list from which Bradley will call 22-player squads in for each of the three upcoming international friendlies against England, Spain and Argentina. Not every player is even assured of making the roster for any of these games, while some may never get beyond simply participating in practices leading up to the games.

So how did Bradley choose this group? Along with the obvious aspect of choosing the best players and players he feels are on good form, Bradley also took into consideration the schedules of MLS teams as well as the committments some of these players have on other national teams (in other words, the Olympic Team). This might explain why certain teams (like Houston and New England) might not have had certain players called in.

Here's a closer look at the pool:

GOALKEEPERS- Dominic Cervi (Out of Contract), Brad Guzan (Chivas USA), Tim Howard (Everton FC), Troy Perkins (Valerenga IF), Chris Seitz (Real Salt Lake)

With Howard standing a very good chance of starting all three matches (at the very least I see him starting vs. England and Argentina), the friendlies will allow Bradley to get a closer look at Guzan, who has struggled this year, while Peter Nowak will be able to evaluate Cervi and Seitz, two goalkeepers vying for Olympic goalkeeper spots.

DEFENDERS- Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham FC), Dan Califf (FC Midtjylland), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96), Jay DeMerit (Watford FC), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus Crew), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard de Liege), Michael Orozco (San Luis), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United)

No real surprises in this group. Hejduk makes the list because he's actually having a pretty strong year for Columbus and he still brings plenty to the table, particularly at a right back position that isn't exactly deep. Orozco is a pleasant surprise who has earned the look after establishing himself in the Mexican First Division.

MIDFIELDERS- Freddy Adu (SL Benfica), DaMarcus Beasley (Glasgow Rangers), Michael Bradley (SC Heerenveen), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Maurice Edu (Toronto FC), Benny Feilhaber (Derby County), Eddie Gaven (Columbus Crew), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Eddie Lewis (Derby County), Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado Rapids)

Surprises galore here, with Feilhaber, Lewis and Mastroeni drawing some head scratching. As I stated before, not every player in the pool will be called in for a match. There should be a pretty good battle between Edu and Clark to start alongside Michael Bradley in central midfield. I think Lewis definitely merits the call after spending all season as a starter at Derby (and yes, spare me the Derby jokes). He's still playing at a high level and I see him getting at least one start in the friendlies.) The Pablo Mastroeni call was also very surprising but I wouldn't be surprised if Bradley doesn't want to get a closer look at him to see just where he is form wise (I am also sure Mastroeni is drooling at another chance to face Argentina, his native country). Also, a source tells me Danny Szetela was set to be included in the pool before suffering a groin sprain with Brescia.

FORWARDS- Jozy Altidore (New York Red Bulls), Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Kenny Cooper (FC Dallas), Clint Dempsey (Fulham FC), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy), Nate Jaqua (Out of Contract), Eddie Johnson (Fulham FC), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew), Josh Wolff (1860 Munich)

Kenny Cooper finally gets a call, which is deserved after starting the MLS season so well. He and Rogers have played their way into the mix and it will be interesting to see if Rogers gets a real chance in one of the friendlies. Nate Jaqua's selection shocked some people but the guy scored five goals in 10 matches in the Austrian First Division. That merits consideration. I am also curious to see how much of a look Eddie Johnson gets. Bradley hasn't lost faith in him but this series of friendlies should serve to paint a clearer picture of whether Johnson is really ready to contribute this summer.

Comments

[Justin O]

Agreed about Lewis. He will clearly factor into qualifying and should be included, though I'm sure some will express shock at his inclusion.

[Trex]

I'll answer that question about Johnson for you... NO!!

[J]

whats the chances altidore gets to travel to europe and face spain or england with all of the comments on his fatigue by JCO. I would love to see him line up against Europes best and was wondering if you (Ives) had any idea of his chances on going. Either way if he doesnt go Im sure he'll get his chance at home in the meadowlands vs Argentina, although Argentina does not boast the same defense as England.

[ag nigrin]

I have a feeling Jozy Altidore will only be used in the USA-Argentina game if at all..

[Ryan Dees]

looks like Bobby Convey's National Team days are done...

[golfstrom]

no need to apologize for eddie (lewis). eddie was the best player on the field/pitch vs. poland after he came on. can never have too many left-sided players.

[eric]

Ives -

Any info on Jaqua being out of contract?

[Modibo]

Re: Jacqua. People may not like him, but Ives you make a good point about his goal production - in a NEW league, in a NEW country, and on a NEW team that faced relegation. In that situation they needed goals - badly, considering that with just 5 Jacqua tied for 2nd on the season with Altach - and he scored them in key matches against chart-topping teams.

No it's not the EPL but under those conditions it's a worth a look at a guy like that. Compare that to Johnson, who entered the EPL under similar conditions (except he knows the language which helps) and, well, played some reserve games. It's about getting first team ball. So Bradley can have a look and see if this is someone who might step in during the WCQ campaign - if it doesn't work out with this pool, no harm done.

[Mighty]

Like the pool of players.... Yes Eddie Johson is part of History... Ives do you know if Bradley invited the pachuca kid?

[srfinger]

Only questionable player missing is Rolfe.

Not sure what he adds to the squad, but his form right now is as good as anyone in MLS.

[Eric]

The other thing to consider about Jaqua is that, I believe, a few of those goals were scored as a sub. In other words, he didn't score 5 in 10 (an admirable rate in any league) by going the full 90. That's not a bad kind of guy to have on the bench!

I'm excited to see Adu get some meaningful minutes in a senior match. If he can become the attacking midfielder, it could open the door to move Donovan out to the wing in a C. Ronaldoesque kind of role.

[randall]

maybe a bit off topic- any word on cory gibbs? i heard a while back he was in reserve matches. is he fit? a possibility down the road? done as far as the nats go?

[Barry Jive and His Uptown Five]

Is it possible to "sprain" one's groin?

[Amit]

No Conrad or Parkhurst? I mean at least put them on the list, even if they won't play. As per MLS form, I think Chad Marshall might deserve some accolades. Also, as scary as it sounds, Goldwaithe and/or Parke have been solid.

[Joe_in_ND]

It is if your Szetela.

I really don't have any complaints about this roster, and it is amazing how different the front end of our squad (midfield and forwards) will look from WC 06.

[SeaOtter]

@Ryan,

Just to give you a little better info on Convey. He's still having the issue with his knee. He wasn't on the roster the last day of the season for Reading b/c Coppell sent him to the U.S. for an injection.

Given some of the other headscratcher selections, I'd imagine that Convey would've been invited if healthy.

Hope this helps

[gerald]

Ryan Dees - You may be right about Convey but I believe he is injured at the present time

[Spencer]

Barry I think they meant Strain, nor sprain.

[walter]

Ives,

With several good holding midfielders/ defensive midfielders (Edu, Clark, Bradley, Feilhaber, and even Mastroeni) is it possible that Bradley could go to a 3-5-2 formation?

That way he could always have 2 of those guys on the field, plus a collection of 3 attack minded options in the midfield (Donovan, Dempsey, and Adu for example). I think that formation plays to the strength of the squad since they seem to have better options at DM than at CB, and could better deal with an opposing attack in the midfield, which would actually help the back 3. What are your thoughts?

[Angel]

I do like the people that Bradley call up for this friendly. I would like to see a young team mixed with Veteran players. kind of Sup20 mix the Veterans that will give us a little preview for the Olympic team. I would like Bradley to play a 4-3-1-2 fomation. something like this

————-Jozy Altidore(Eddie Johnson)————-Kenny Cooper(Nate Jaqua)———-
—————————Freddy Adu(Clint Dempsey)—————
DaMarcus Beasley ——————————–Landon Donovan
————————Michael Bradley(Maurice Edu) —————-
Steve Cherundolo -- Oguchi Onyewu(Jay DeMerit) —- Michael Orozco(Carlos Bacanegra)------Jonathan Spector
————————-Tim Howard (Brad Guzan)———————–

This will be an exciting LineUp with speed and good leadership. A good mix that I think this can be match very well against Argentina and Spain cause the have very young team.

[brett]

srfinger- F that.... i dont want Rolfe going to friendlies and standing a chance of getting injured... he's way to valuable for the fire to go and get injured...

id rather have him in the Fire's lineup during those weeks rather then seeing him sit the bench with the Nats....

[Mike]

Eddie Johnson huh? I suppose somebody has to bring the bling. Problem is, that's all he brings. He's more timid and hesitant than I was at my first junior high dance. He's probably the most frustrating player we've ever had, and I can tell you right now he will do nothing positive in any of the three games. If only he had Joe Max Moore's fighting spirit in that frame of his.

[Q]

Is Gaven that worthy, even for the olympics?

[Dominghosa]

convey and gibbs are still getting back into shape from injury. i wouldn't expect their call-ups until 2009 or late this year.

[4now]

Looking forward to seeing how DeMerit and Bocanegra perform in this camp, with both having so much to prove, and hopes for moving onto other clubs.

Ives, is Johann Smith done?

[kevin]

Gaven is the biggest surprise for me, I think that someone like Arturo Alvarez would've been more deserving of making the list. I also hope that Chris Rolfe sees some time with the team this summer as I think that he could really help, but as a Fire fan, I don't mind him missing these few games.
Great to see Jaqua make it, he deserves another look.

[Cyrus]

Cooper and Jozy up top sounds very good. I'd love to see how these two would play together.

[CommonSense]

I'm kind of disappointed to not see Jeremiah White in there, he's having a good season in Denmark and surely deserves consideration over EJ, who's doing nothing but riding pine and playing reserve matches.

[YankatOxford]

Jeremiah White is only surprising omission to my mind.

[Rocco]

Altidore Cooper Dempsey (take any 2)
Beez Adu Bradley Donovan
Spector Boca Onyewu Dolo
Howard

I like this lineup. Anyone else?

Probably will see Lewis on the left instead of Beasley, due to injury. Freddie prob won't start either, due to inactivity.

[HE from NJ]

great stuff Ives.

---------------------howard
hejduk, boca-negra, onyewu, orozco?
--------------bradley-------edu
------------adu---------------dempsey
-----------donovan--------altidore

who should play left back?
I CAN'T WAIT.

[Steve B]

————-Altidore————-E. Johnson
————-———Dempsey————-——
Beasley————Bradley————Donovan
—'Dolo——Boca——Gooch——Spector—
————-———Howard————-————
Here is my starting lineup vs. England

Boca and Gooch are definitely the best defenders in the US, and they should keep our defense solid.

IMO, If we're gonna win any against the big three, we need to do it vs. England.

Go USA! USA! USA! USA! USA!

[Dominghosa]

Will Beas really be ready to start by these friendlies?
I don't think he'll start but he will get his minutes.
I assume Lewis will start on the left at midfield.

[4now]

vs. England

------Altidore--------
------Donovan---------
Lewis Bradley Dempsey-
--------Edu-----------
Pearce Boca Gooch Dolo
-------Howard---------

[Rob]

H.E. That is my starting lineup, I want EJ to get one chance to play with Jozy before I lose all faith in him. Beasley and Dempsey on either wing is gonna be sick. Donovan making those late runs in the box.

[The AMT]

I know it's fantasy, but here's what I'd love to see...
--------Jozy-------
----Adu--Donovan---
Beaz---MB---Dempsey
Spector--------Dolo
----Boca--Gooch----
-------Howard------

[hamburglar]

Look out world, here we come!

----Johsnon---Jacqua---Wolff----
-Gaven--Kljestan--Mastro--Feilhaber-
----Lewis----Califf----Frankie----
------------Cervi-------------

[Angel]

The AMT I like ur Lineup too I think is very nice to have that lineup against England..

[pal]

Crazy, I know...but how about a 3-5-2 like this...

......Jozy.........Landon
Beaz.......MB.......Clint
.........Rico.....Edu......
...Boca.....Gooch.....Spec

Edu/Clark are twin sorts of destroyers and break things up.

Not going to happen--but I think the future is either a 3/5/2 or 4/3/3

[B-Ville]

Are Holden and Parkhurst off the roster for MLS scheduling conflicts? I would have liked to have seen them

[srfinger]

In terms of a 3-5-2, we dont have anyone who can play in the middle of a 3man backline.

Parkhurst is very good there at the MLS level, but his smarts wont over come his pace and size.

We also dont have many guys who could be true man markers, until someone like Gibbs is healthy.

I think we will be with a Boca-Gooch combo in the middle for the foreseeable future.

In terms of Freddy, I still think he is a sub. Doesnt show for the ball enough or play enough defense to be in a 2 man central midfield. Guess he could be withdrawn, withdrawn forward in a 4-4-2 or attacking, attacking midfielder in a 4-5-1, but Jozy isnt good enough to be by himself at this level.

My Lineup

Jozy Dempsey
Lewis MB Edu LD
Spector Gooch Boca Dolo

With Cooper for Dempsey
RRogers for Lewis

Also Kyle Beckerman has had a good run this year in MLS. I could see him being a factor in the next year or so.

[hamburglar]

best players NOT in 33 (assuming injuries make hahnemann, bornstein, simek, gibbs, szetela, convey unavilable):

F; [mcbride], white, rolfe, twellman, davies, sturgis
M: [torres], holden, beckerman, alvarez, carroll, nguyen, zizzo, mccarty
D: [subotic], marshall, conrad, parkhurst, wynne
GK: [friedel], keller, reis, hesmer, hall

also: subotic, torres

conclusion: a few borderline calls, but overall BB did not leave gobs of talent off the list.

[Mark]

Kind of surprised Keller didn't get called in, especially when you call in guys like Hejduk, Mastroeni, and Lewis.

University of Maryland representing with Seitz, Califf, Edu, and Rodgers.

There are a lot of players who have just come off injuries or have barely played over the last few months.

[brett]

Mark- hejduk and lewis can add alot to the lineup.... both are hustle players and can make the difference... our GK spot is beyond deep.... however, our left mids are not O.o.... and Frankie adds experience to the back line

[brett]

in other words, no keller

[eric]

Thinking about the midfield a little more, I'm bummed that Holden or Alvarez didn't get a call, I'd love to see someone with speed on the left wing since Beaz is injured.

Lewis surprised me with a great substitute appearance vs Poland, but he's too slow to play the whole game. Unless he's matched up against Beckham, then I guess we won't have to worry about him getting burned...

[eric]

I mean, since I doubt Beaz can go 90 after the injury layoff...

[Drew2]

Not sure if anyone mentioned this before, but I think it's pretty interesting that Rogers was listed as a forward. Very much in the Donovan mode I think. Obviously where he is listed isn't dispositive of anything... but it certainly indicates that BB thinks he is not just a wing player but a solid option at withdrawn forward.

[Freddie]

No Marcus Hahnemann?

[usnavysrchief]

Where is Nevin Subotic???? Bobby Convey????