The U.S. Olympic team: Who will make the roster?

We are about 24 hours away from the announcement of the 18-man roster for the U.S. Olympic Team and it is time to start thinking about who will be on that team.

With sources telling me that Brian McBride, Brad Guzan and Michael Parkhurst will be the three over-age players chosen, that leaves 15 other slots to be decided.

Here is how I see the squad shaking out:

Goalkeepers- Brad Guzan, Chris Seitz

Defenders- Michael Parkhurst, Maurice Edu, Michael Orozco, Marvell Wynne, Nathan Sturgis, Sean Franklin, Kamani Hill.

Midfielders- Freddy Adu, Michael Bradley, Sacha Kljestan, Stuart Holden, Robbie Rogers, Danny Szetela

Forwards- Brian McBride, Jozy Altidore, Charlie Davies

That, for my money, is the most balanced team you can send. Forwards Robbie Findley and Chad Barrett are in the mix but I think that trio of forwards is fine and Kamani Hill can play up top in a pinch as well.

As for those who are still discussing Neven Subotic, I was told by a good source that he isn't close to thinking about picking a country to represent and won't start considering his options until later this year so he is out.

What do you think? What 18-man roster would you like to see go to the Olympics? Share your thoughts below.

Comments

[Christopher]

Leave Parkhurst home!

[tmc]

Do we know who USA will be playing in China?

[Will]

I like it. Too bad TFC will miss Edu for such a long stretch, though.

On the plus side, the senior team coaches should be examining all the game tape to see who's ready to take the next step.

[AC]

Its nice to see Sean Franklin getting his due after being the only highlight of a terrible Galaxy defense.

[sprool11]

I would put Cristman, McCarty, Spector, and Myers in the mix also.

[Rob C]

UGH PARKHURST????

He truly is one of the most overrated players in MLS. There's a reason this guy barely SNIFFS the Senior National Team. Usually I try and be a little more intelligent, but all I can say is this: he sucks.

[Freddy]

I'd put in Conrad for Parkhurst and take Keller over Guzan.

[kco]

I'm sorry, does that say Sean Franklin? As in the LAG Sean Franklin? Is he really that good or is the U-23 defenders list that short?

[GMD]

Is Benny still hurt and ruled out?

[DL]

Parkhurst definitely does NOT suck. He has great vision out of the back, actually plays the ball to feet, and is athletic. That's right - three things that American defenders generally lack.

[patrick]

how come no kenny cooper? he's 23...does that make him overage?

[Freddy]

Assuming Ives is right with his roster I can see the following starting lineup.

---------Jozy----------------McBride--------

-------------------Adu----------------------

--------Rogers--------------Kljestan--------

-----------------Bradley--------------------

Hill------Orozco-------Parkhurst-----Wynne--

-----------------Guzan----------------------

[MetroFlip73]

Yes, the list for USA U23 defenders is short. That's why Franklin and Kamani "I lisp" Hill is on the squad.

I would've preferred Conrad as well, even though he's not fast. Very heady player, World Cup vet, would easily be captain, or vice-captain of the team.

[sprool11]

cooper is too old - he would have to be an over age player

[Ben]

Franklin is playing way above his age. Really impressive for a Rookie.
IMO he's only behind Becks/Donovan/Buddle maybe Klein performance wise of all LA players.

Without him we'd be even worse at the back.

Still hope the current injury prevents him from going...
LA needs him much more than the US Olympic Team...

[Brant]

Please, please, please no Chad Barrett... Is Eddie Gaven out of the mix b/c of injury? I didn't think his performance at the qualifying tournament was that bad.

[John]

any news on feilhabers health? guy is my favorite player in the national team pool

[SonicDeathMonkey]

sprool11, Spector is injured. That is why Ives did not list him. McCarty is just now getting back from injury and not in form.

[Chuck]

I think I'd like to see Zizzo over Szetela but other than that I'm fine with this roster.

[kpugs]

So is Kamani Hill definitely not a striker anymore? Or is he just not a striker when he plays for team USA?

[Postmaster]

Spector=injured. Too bad.

[Will]

"Parkhurst definitely does NOT suck. He has great vision out of the back, actually plays the ball to feet, and is athletic. That's right - three things that American defenders generally lack."

You forgot the best part: HE DOESN"T FOUL! He plays smart and doesn't just bully forwards. He's the anti-Gooch!

[Andrew]

I'll take Findley over Davies.

[j1]

what about michael harrington at left back?

[Randomher0723]

No Brek Shea? I thought he impressed everyone in that France tournament?? I am not saying he should be included I just have not heard anything about him lately. Can anyone give an update on him. Names that surprise me that aren't on that list: McCarty(injured?), Gaven(Bradenton), Zizzo, Feilhaber(injury?).

Also, who would you take rather than Franklin?

[RMH]

I'd find a way to get McCarty in that lineup. He's coming on as a sub and will be starting for Dallas before the Olympics. The game completely changes when he comes in. Watch him sometime if you can. He's everywhere, always giving an option to a player, and completely unselfish. Leaving him home would be a mistake.

[Wes]

I think Dax will get the call (over szetala), but as a Dallas fan I hope I'm wrong.

[dr dcr vcr]

How about Brek Shea or Anthony Wallace? Wallace and Sturgis are the only two U-23 players I would even consider playing left back and Sturgis is again just coming back from injury. Personally, I don't think he is in form and with the limited roster spots, Wallace should be chosen instead.

[Nic D "The Texas 2 Stepper"]

Franklin is the "ROCK" of LA's defense. He is much better than advertised!

[A.S.]

Why Guzan? Shouldn't he be in training camp with Villa??? He needs to compete for a starting slot there!

Take Keller instead - the difference in quality is minimal if anything, and nobody really cares about Keller trying to impress his new EPL team.

[Slugger]

Aside from McBride, I don't like the overage selections either. Compared to Conrad and Keller/Hahnemann, Parkhurst and Guzan are pretty green in terms of big-game experience. That's a big mistake in a U-23 tourney. The steady play of Hejduk, Agoos and Friedel were the main reason the U.S. made the medal round in Sydney. I think U.S. Soccer just pulled another Copa America.

[GeneralMSU3]

I think it will look more like this:

GK: Guzan, Seitz
DEF: Parkhurst, Wynne, Edu, Sturgis, Hill, Franklin
MID: Bradley, Kljestan, Holden, Adu, Rogers, McCarty, Szetela
FW: McBride, Altidore, Findley

*Feilhaber, Gaven, and Spector would be in, but injured.

-------------Guzan--------------

Wynne-----Edu----Parkhurst-----Sturgis

Kljestan---Bradley----Adu----Rogers

--------Altidore-----McBride---------

Franklin is no doubt ready. McCarty and Hill make it in on their versatility.

[PS]

Yes Franklin looks good for the Galaxy but when was the last time he played organized soccer?

[Kartik]

I think Eddie Gaven gets the call ahead of Robbie Rogers. I know Rogers has been better for the Crew but Gaven has been much much better career wise at the youth international level.

[Bill]

I agree with leaving Parkhurst at home -- I think Edu fits in just fine at CB with the Olympic team and he's more athletic than Parkhurst. Plus, Ives's group has no true left back, so I think bringing Pearce would be smarter (he's had a good run lately and could use the opportunity to build on that). Franklin's playing well with LA but has he even played with the U-23's under Nowak? I don't think so -- I doubt Nowak calls him in.

[Zungazan]

Franklin's injured. I think they said 6 weeks but don't remember exactly.

[Bill]

Plus, if Franklin goes to China, LA will start giving up 7 or 8 goals a game.

[a. lazo]

I would really like to see donovan on the squad doesn't he realize this could be for an olympic medal.

[Bill]

I agree with Slugger re: GK. I'd go with:

Keller, Seitz
Edu, Orozco, Pearce, Hill, Wynne, Sturgis
Adu, Bradley, Rogers, Kljestan, Holden, Szetela
McBride, Altidore, Davies, Findley

[BishopMVP]

My biggest hope with the selection of Parkhurst is that Novak may be considering running a 3-5-2, as he's experienced in one. Stick Orozco/Franklin next to him and use our midfield depth.

The real travesty in the (presumed) overage selections is bringing Brad Guzan. Offers little of an upgrade over Chris Seitz. Unless US Soccer is still making decisions based on getting him his WP, I don't see why he's getting the call over another defender.

Andrew @1:32 - Findley over Davies? Check out Davies recent form in Sweden. He's got like 7 goals in 8 games.

Slugger @1:44 - The US just pulled another Copa America? Haha, this U-23 team would easily beat our Copa America team. The worrisome signs would be if Robbie Rogers, Stu Holden or Mike Bradley misses the team, the last for Guatemala and the first because Novak brings Findley or Davies to play a wing again.

[Betinho]

@ Kartik, Gaven needs to stay home. i distinctly remember him shizzing himself against Argetina in that Copa match. I actually felt sorry for him.

[Dominghosa]

Lukewarm on Parkhurst.
Zizzo has to be included, no?

[Robert]

I like the Altidore-McBride combo. Too bad McBride has quit the senior team. Can Holden play for the full national team yet? He's looking good in Houston.

[Metrolambda1975@yahoo.com]

Dax McCarty was our best player in qualifing, he should get a nod over Danny S. Hopefully he will be fully recovered.

[Byron]

Holden has always been eligible to play for our national team. He was called into camp before the Mexico game in Houston but didn't make the bench. I guess he doesn't feature into Bradley's plans.

[Matt]

My only issue with the calling up of Parkhurst is, why now? He's received very few looks in the past from a NT perspective.

Now, when the Revs are involved in every competition of the season with a full schedule for July, August and September, Mr. Novak decides he needs Parkhurst. What's up with that!?

[elmatador]

Brek Shea recenlty played with the USMNT U-20 that beat Mexico's U-20 in Laredo 3-0. I believe he handed an assist...I think he's awsome, great speed and good IQ, very under rated.

[CL]

You can count on Charlie Davies on the team. There are quote from the Hammarby coach that he is leaving for the Olympics after there next game. Plus he is the mos in form striker we have right now. Through 14 games in Sweeden he has 7 goals (third in the league) and in his last 5 games he has 6 goals.

[Richard]

No mention of Hunter Freeman?

[arena futbol]

I don't think Nowak has used Franklin at all this year in any U23 match. I know Sean has impressed folks with his non-suckitude for Gals, but it seems out of character for PN to add someone to a group of 15 U23s without having capped the player anytime since taking over the team. That's why I think Ianni is more likely (even though I think Patrick's MLS-play is too foul-prone).

Defenders Nowak has capped:
Hill - 6
Ianni - 5
Wynne - 5
Freeman - 5
Orozco - 4
Sturgis - 4
Leathers - 3
Wagner - 3

Others with 1-2 caps: Spector, Dalby, Valentino, Brunner, Gavin, Beltran, Valentin, Ward, Davies, (Shea).

Of course, caps reflect limited time since Nowak took over and limited availability of some players, but still... given PN's familiarity with Ianni and zero caps for Franklin, I would be surprised to see Sean in the squad.

On the other hand... I know Ianni had a shoulder injury this month, so maybe that would rule him out?

[quick one]

hey ives,
any word on feilhaber? i think we desperately need him, olympic team and national team. the idea of this up top and in the midfield makes me happy:
jozy
freddie
bradley-feilhaber (in the middle)

feilhaber is the one guy america has produced since john obrien that can really distribute the ball, settle the game down, and hold possession. claudio was OK at it, but i think feilhaber showed so much potential in the gold cup and i think that potential is enough alone to give him a second shot.

[andrew]

hey ives
how about ferrari, ryan guy, bryan arguez, or sal zizzo?

[Chuck]

Is Shea that underrated. Man U just had scouts in Dallas checking him out. With a combination of size, speed, tenacity and not to mention a true left foot I think he should certainly be included for the Olympics if for nothing else to get some good experience playing at a high level.

[Collin]

What about Michael Harrington?

[anon]

what about lee nguyen and sal zizzo? those are the two players i'm most sorry we have to leave home.

and i hate to say it but i think cristman or barrett would be better fourth striker options than findley at this point.

[arena futbol]

somewhat expanded olympic depth chart:

[name] = overage candidate
* = concern due to recent injury
clearly, some guys can play other spots, this is approx.
---------------------------------------
gk: [Guzan] [Keller] Seitz Westberg Cervi

lb: [Pearce] Sturgis* Freeman Harrington Wagner Randolph
cb1: [Conrad] Orozco Ianni* Davies Purdy
cb2: [Parkhurst] Edu Franklin Hohlbein Phelan
rb: Wynne Hill Leathers Beltran Myers Wallace

lm: Rogers Gaven* Alvarez Shea
cm1: Adu Kljestan Feilhaber* Arguez
cm2: Bradley McCarty* Szetela Dalby
rm: Holden Zizzo Ashe Nguyen

f1: [McBride] Davies Findley Zimmerman
f2: Altidore Barrett Ferrari Ochoa

[3VIL L33T]

who do you think is most likly to get looks from over seas after the olympics?

I hear Holden hasn't renewed his contract (1yr left) and will be working to impress and try to make the jump.

[Original Aaron]

I realize that McCarty is still working his way into shape, but I thought he was a very important piece during the qualifying tournament in Nashville, and I'd like to see him included in the squad. I think McBride should definitely go b/c he is the greatest player ever produced by our country, he wants to go, and he is currently without a club. Other than that- I question why we should bring any overage players at all. I see this team being good enough to go for the quarters and hope to sneak into the semis- with or without overage callups. That being sad- wouldn't it be better for US Soccer to let Guzan gell with his new team? Wouldn't the Revs be on better terms with US Soccer if they don't take away their (arguably) best player for a month in the heart of the season? There is no reason to ruffle clubs' feathers with the overage callups. Send the kids, along with McBride, and let them show what they can do. If we are determined to send 2 other older guys, we should only send ones who don't have a club to tick off, or are at a point in their careers where they don't really care what the consequences of them going to the Olympics are. Keller and Onyewu come to mind...

[gargoyle]

Seitz
(sub: Qwest)

Edu Conrad Orozco
(subs: Wynne, Harrington)

Holden-Kljestan-Adu-Bradley-Rogers
(subs: McCarty, Szetela)

McBride--Altidore
(subs: Buddle, Davies)

Yes, EDSON BUDDLE!

[timpramas]

With an 18 player roster (two of whom are goalkeepers), I would be hesitant to include any player just recovering from injury.

[Tim]

I can't find who, but when I was skimming, I saw someone ask who is in our group. We face the Netherlands, Nigeria, and the Japanese. Not an easy group, but we should be considered favorites to advance along with the dutch.

Why would we pick Guzan over Howard. Unless I missed Everton ruling out Howard for the Olympics. Guzan needs to settle in with his new team. Howard is the starter for Everton no questions ask. Also Howard is a class above Guzan. No offense to Guzan, but after the Argentina game that was evident.

Im okay with parkhurst, but conrad would definately be a better choice. Mcbride is a good choice, but im sure Dononvan is tempting to Nowak. I can't believe Sal zizou isn't in this lineup. I would put him over Kamini Hill. They both dont play for their German clubs, so lets reunite the offense power between Altidore, Adu, and zizou.

And as a side note, Marice Edu is a middy.

[arena futbol]

Tim- PN has been playing Edu as a CB. Hence Ives and others listing him there.

[PanchoMiguelMoralesdeConejo]

I sincerely hope you are wrong @ McBride Ives. Nothing against 'the best player ever from the U.S.", but his time has come and gone. It seems silly to consider him for the Olympic roster other than (1) He is available-no club (2) He indicates a desire to go. Is he talented enough, sure! but he and Jozy are similar in talent, and IF I can bring Jozy, (still unsure that will happen) I don't bring McBride.
My 18:
Goalkeepers- B. Guzan, Chris Seitz,

Defenders- J. Bornstein, Michael Orozco, Marvell Wynne, Nathan Sturgis, Sean Franklin, Kamani Hill.

Midfielders- L. Donovan, Michael Bradley, Sacha Kljestan, Stuart Holden, Robbie Rogers, Sal Zizzo, Maurice Edu

Forwards- Freddy Adu,Jozy Altidore, Charlie Davies

Starters:
Adu-Altidore
Rogers, Sacha, Bradley, Donovan
Bornstein,Orozco,Franklin,Wynne
Guzan

I'm not as worried about the central D as many are. If not Franklin, then Mo Edu showed well there in the China outings. But the left back position is troubling. Johnny B gives you a lot of stability back there.

Qualfying was a distinct lack of wing play, which is why I bring Donavon & Rogers to bring service to Jozy and let Adu work his magic with Sacha in the middle of the field.

[brett]

At first i like Guzan as an overage player, but others have convinced me id rather see him training at Villa..

while some are saying "bring keller" i say "heeeeeeellll no" to that... sorry but he's dropped to far down for my likings... bring in FRIEDEL!!! :D

==========================================

i would like to see McCarty brought in but if he's getting off injury then i agree he shouldnt included...

==========================================

i jumped on the Brek Shea bandwagon after the French Tourny, but i dont see him cracking the linup of midfielders above.... perhaps bring him in instead of Davies, but even thats a stretch... he played for the U20's against Mexico... so he's getting call ups else where...

but since he's being scouted by europe, a break through in the olympics would be tight... but i wouldnt expect him to crack the lineup...

===========================================

why Szetela??i guess you could make the arguement that Bradley needs a replacement, but id rather McCarty be there... but if he's getting off injury i guess our next best would be Szetela... hopefully if he goes, we see the same magic from the U20's WC....

==========================================

overall i cant argue with the roster you supplied.... except for Guzan out, Friedel in....

[Freddie Footballer]

I'd rather see Gooch or Conrad over Parkhurst. Subotic's an idiot. What a great opportunity missed here. What happened to Sal Zizzo and Benny Feilhaber?

[arena futbol]

Pancho-

Do you think Landycakes wants to go to the Olympics? If so, that news has been a well-kept secret! If not, no way PN/BB are in a position to pressure him onto the team.

[brett]

people, we have to look at this intelligently...

IF Adu is being called into the Olympics, Donovan will not be.... we play Guatemala on the 20th (?) of Aug... are you suggesting we send both (and only) playmakers to the olympics when a WCQ'er is during the same period..???

no, LD does not get the nod to the olympics... he'll have to wait until next olympics b/c we've seen our team when LD and Adu dont play.... no creativity at all

[Rocco]

To be honest. I like it. Granted when I read the list for the Brazil & Argentina squads I was baffled. I think we could surprise a bit.

The only person I think who could be a surprise is Brek Shea believe it or not. I know he is very young but he is big, fast and I think he can play up top and out on the flank. I think his natural position is defense as well, not sure. If that is the case this gives a lot of leeway for Nowak.

I like the lineup Freddy put up. Very solid.

[Andrew]

Findley would be great coming off the bench for a tired player up front. He has BLAZING speed that can be exploited against tired backfield players. He's been doing it for RSL for the last two seasons.

[Juke Box Hero]

I like the squad you surmised Ives, except I'd go with Conrad over Parkhurst. Neither will be missed for the Guatemala WCQ, both are on top of their game, but Conrad has the edge in experience and leadership ability imo. I also like the idea of a 3-5-2 to emphasize our strength in midfield.
-------McBride--Altidore-----
-------------Adu-------------
Rogers----------------Klejstan
---------Edu----Bradley-------
Orozco-----Parkhurst-----Wynne
------------Guzan------------

[arena futbol]

Also, to those suggesting Donovan, Gooch, Howard etc. as the overage players -- the full MNT will already be without 3 or 4 possible starters due to Olympics (M. Bradley, F. Adu, M. Edu, J. Altidore). Do you think it is likely that BB decides to go all-in for the Olympics be sending 1-3 other starters to China and being without 5-8 of his top 11 for the WCQ match?

The upside to the overage guys mentioned as likely candidates (Guzan, Parky, Conrad, McHead) is that they don't cause further subtractions from the full MNT starting XI.

Not saying it couldn't happen, but just noting that a decision to bring over-23 MNT starters means a decision to put Olympics > WCQ.

[Spider-J]

Zizzos team told him that if he goes to the olympics it will effect his chances of fighting for a starting spot. Donovan hinted he wants to go to the olympics I believe in a pod cast before, maybe the barbados game and so did Howard but they won't be there because of the world cup qualie game.

Oh man I hope its Guzan and not keller. Keller looked bad in the canada game in the Gold Cup and looked bad in copa America. If Kellers the last resort for an overage keeper we should just give it to our under 23s. Seitz needs to get experience sometime.

I think id rather take boca than Parkhurst and send Conrad to the world cup qualie too.

[Andrew]

I heard AC Monaco have upped their offer for Michael Bradley up to 13.6 million, surpassing Jozy's record transfer.

[Randomher0723]

Be afraid everybody:
He told me he would take me to the next camp," said Barrett, 23. "There hasn't been a camp since then, so I hope he was talking about [the Olympics] camp."

http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/soccer_redcard/2008/07/barrett-on-his.html#more

[Chase]

I have to thoroughly disagree with the people who are trashing Parkhurst, did someone, presumably who hasn't seen very many Revs games in the past, really say he was "horrible"??

Guzan is the only questionable overage choice for me. I think he is a great up and coming player, but it would have been amazing if Bradley and Nowak could have coaxed Friedel to pull a McBride and play for the team. Even Keller or Hannemann would also have added more stability to the back.

Personally, I think our olympic team will be pretty solid, though the best we can really hope for is a Bronze, which would be a major achievement with the teams that Brazil and Argentina are fielding...

[gargoyle]

Chase - Good to see that you still have your (ex-)teammate's back. Revs will miss you. Good luck with the priesthood, bro.

[Jacob]

I didn't have too many problems with the team Ives suggested, so I'll hold my comments for tomorrow after I look at the actual roster.

[Bill]

Does anyone know a list of all the players that were at the training camp?

[Bajen]

Come on Charlie Davies, CD you´re in our hearts...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fE3ahDYUCZs