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U.S. Men's National Soccer (Official Thread)

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For the 23-man roster, it is going to be really interesting to see how Klinsmann decides to pare down the roster.

First and foremost, he's got to decide what formation(s) his team will go with against these Group G opponents. Does he go with his preferred attacking style, but leave the questionable back-line vulnerable? Does he go 4-2-3-1, and leave Jozy along and unsupported up top? With his emphasis on fitness and "winning" the last 10-15 minutes, does he play a more controlled tempo the first 70 minutes and then push forward in attack-mode when opponents are more worse for the wear?

Certain guys are probably on the chopping block already (Davis, Yedlin, Green, Brooks, Boyd/Wondo) but what if they have great camps? What if Donovan breaks down during camp just enough to not "earn" any starts in these tune-up friendlies? Would JK really leave LD off the roster and open himself up to so much talk and questioning that does not even apply to the final 23?

Either way, I'm as excited about the USMNT's chances as ever before, even with their draw, because of the different mentality Jurgen brings and the depth of skill he's helped nurture and develop in the MNT program. Can't wait for June 2 to see the final roster, and June 16 in a must win battle against Ghana.
 
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Bulls-Eye said:
For the 23-man roster, it is going to be really interesting to see how Klinsmann decides to pare down the roster.

First and foremost, he's got to decide what formation(s) his team will go with against these Group G opponents. Does he go with his preferred attacking style, but leave the questionable back-line vulnerable? Does he go 4-2-3-1, and leave Jozy along and unsupported up top? With his emphasis on fitness and "winning" the last 10-15 minutes, does he play a more controlled tempo the first 70 minutes and then push forward in attack-mode when opponents are more worse for the wear?

Certain guys are probably on the chopping block already (Davis, Yedlin, Green, Brooks, Boyd/Wondo) but what if they have great camps? What if Donovan breaks down during camp just enough to not "earn" any starts in these tune-up friendlies? Would JK really leave LD off the roster and open himself up to so much talk and questioning that does not even apply to the final 23?

Either way, I'm as excited about the USMNT's chances as ever before, even with their draw, because of the different mentality Jurgen brings and the depth of skill he's helped nurture and develop in the MNT program. Can't wait for June 2 to see the final roster, and June 16 in a must win battle against Ghana.
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Donovan won't be left off of this WC roster. He's one of the most talented (game ready) Wingers the US can put out there. There's a lot of defenders fighting for one spot, same with the midfielders. Crazy to think Bedoya and Wondolowski may be left off the roster, after the year they had with the national team.
 
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TooTallMenardo said:
Donovan won't be left off of this WC roster. He's one of the most talented (game ready) Wingers the US can put out there. There's a lot of defenders fighting for one spot, same with the midfielders. Crazy to think Bedoya and Wondolowski may be left off the roster, after the year they had with the national team.
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I certainly agree that I want Donovan on the roster, but the tea leaves are all seemingly heading in a different direction. Donovan himself sounded none too optimistic about his chances to contribute much based on his discussions with Jurgen. Plus, Jurgen stated he sees Landon as a striker on this roster.

I'm hopeful Klinsmann gives LD a little leeway on the training ground - even if he is not a first choice guy for all of the games, I cannot see a scenario where he would not be able to come in late and cause some commotion for the opposition. One guy has been there in the largest of moments in US Men's soccer history, and that is Donovan.

My personal thoughts on the best cohesive 23:

G (3): Howard, Guzan, Rimando
D (8): Besler, Cameron, Johnson, Gonzalez, Parkhurst, Beasley, Goodson, Evans (tempted to replace with Chandler, but we'll see how Timmy does in the friendlies)
M (7): Bradley, Zusi, Jones, Beckerman, Donovan, Bedoya, Diskerud
F (5): Dempsey, Altidore, Johannsson, Boyd, Wondolowski

It's hard to leave Julian Green off the roster because of all we've been told about him, but he's so young and has not proven anything yet with the USMNT. His time will come, but I am afraid he's already reserved a spot on JK's roster. If that is so, I could see him replacing either Boyd or Wondolowski. That would basically make Donovan the 5th forward as well.

This group has versatility, depth, and a lot of heart and skill. Cameron could play center or right back, or D-mid. Johnson could move up to winger in the midfield or play outside on either side in the back. Donovan can play out wide in midfield, or as an outright striker. Soon we shall see who's headed to the jungle.
 
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@ussoccer: The USA's 2014 FIFA World Cup roster…#USMNT Goalkeepers: Brad Guzan, Tim Howard, Nick Rimando
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@ussoccer: #USMNT Defenders: Beasley, Besler, Brooks, Cameron, Chandler, Gonzalez, Johnson, Yedlin
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@ussoccer: #USMNT Midfielders: Beckerman, Bedoya, Bradley, Davis, Diskerud, Green, Jones, Zusi #OneNationOneTeam #1N1T
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@ussoccer: #USMNT Forwards: Altidore, Dempsey, Johannsson, Wondolowski #OneNationOneTeam #1N1T
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