Jurgen Klinsmann Names 22 Man Roster for Friendly Against Mexico
In many way the US friendly against Mexico next Wednesday, August 10, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA., is nothing more than that: a friendly that gives US Soccer the opportunity to collect some needed revenue for the coiffures of the federation after a costly lost World Cup bid. At least it certainly seemed that way when looking at the calendar not more than a week ago. Now, in light of the firing of Bob Bradley and the hiring of Jurgen Klinsmann, this insignificant game suddenly takes on much more meaning.
A week ago today we learned that Bob Bradley had been released from his coaching duties with US Soccer and still didn’t know his predecessor. We also found out that Bradley had actually started reaching out to players, notifying them of their call up to the game against Mexico. Then all that changed.
Today, just one week later, Klinsmann and US Soccer have announced his roster for the game against El Tri next Wednesday. In a press conference on Monday, Klinsmann promised to give a look to some new players and with this roster it looks like he has already started.
“One of the goals of the roster for this game and moving forward is to create competition at each position,” said newly appointed head coach Jurgen Klinsmann. “There are many players who are established as well as many players who will get opportunities, and we want there to be a healthy contest for spots on the roster. We will get a good look at where each player is as quickly as we can during the short time in camp, and we will finish with an exciting game against Mexico.”
US Roster:
Goalkeepers (2): Bill Hamid (D.C.United), Tim Howard (Everton/England)
Defenders (8): Carlos Bocanegra (Saint-Etienne/France), Edgar Castillo (Club América/Mexico), Timmy Chandler (FC Nürnberg/Germany), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96/Germany), Clarence Goodson (Brøndby/Denmark), Michael Orozco Fiscal (San Luis/Mexico), Heath Pearce (Chivas USA), Tim Ream (New York Red Bulls) Note: Zach Loyd (FC Dallas) has been selected to replace Timmy Chandler who is working back from injury for the Bundesliga season.
Midfielders (7): Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Michael Bradley (Borussia Mönchengladbach/Germany), Ricardo Clark (Eintracht Frankfurt/Germany), Maurice Edu (Rangers/Scotland), Jermaine Jones (Schalke 04/Germany), Brek Shea (FC Dallas), José Francisco Torres (Pachuca)
Forwards (5): Freddy Adu (Benfica/Portugal), Juan Agudelo (New York Red Bulls), DaMarcus Beasley (Puebla/Mexico), Edson Buddle (FC Ingolstadt/Germany), Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy)
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Buddle back in the mix. I like it!!!
and your favorite player, Jose Altidore, was left off the roster to settle in with his new team. You must be happy.
I was going to say “Altidore is a lazy bum,” but I think I have overused that line on IMS. Trust me, I was flipping cart-wheels down the halfway in my office what I saw he was not on the roster. Now the US forwards will finally start scoring.
PS: I remain skeptical of Agudelo. He seems to be weak when he does not have a strong supporting cast. Not the real playmaker the US needs. Time will tell as he is young.
I’m with Soccer Boy on Agudelo. He could very well have a bright future ahead of him at this level, but he doesn’t seem to be there yet. Am I missing something with the absence of Clint Dempsey? I’d rather have him filling a spot then Agudelo at this point.
SR, I think the better question is, why would you included Dempsey? There are a number of omissions on this team and rightly so. Also, I think people are making a lot out of some players that didn’t get called up (Altidore) and those that did. Klinsmann knows the abilities of the most of the first team players. Altidore just started for a brand new team. There is no need for him being there since this is a meaningless friendly. And Dempsey had an extended break from Fulham after pulling nearly 3-years of non-stop soccer. He took a rest after the Gold Cup, reported to Fulham after they had already started the Europa play-in games and started training a few weeks ago. He played in his first game w/Fulham on Thursday. I’m not sure bringing Dempsey in would serve a greater purpose than allowing him to stay with his club team.
@BQ – You know, I hadn’t realized Fulham was in such early stages of Europa qualifying. I see what you mean now. I tend to pay attention to the Champions League and Europa League more closely from the playoff round (coming up next) forward. To me those early rounds are just about weeding out the little guys, heh. It’s nice when some of them break through though.
Anyway, I get your point about the players he called up. It’s just a friendly, and if it were a match that meant something, we’d probably see a slightly different lineup. It will be interesting to see if he decides he likes any of those young guys over some of the veterans come time for selecting the roster for his first match with purpose attached.
I’m guessing a 4-4-2 eh?
I’m sure there will be former coach Bradley supporters for Klinsmann’s head if they don’t win this game.
Predicting a 2-0 win by the US. Everyone on the squad has something to prove, earn or retain regarding first game impressions under Jurgen. Mexico just hates us but other than that has nothing to prove in this friendly