I don't post many "Must Reads", but this is certainly one. In fact, this is the first "Must Read" ever to be posted at The Twelfth Yank. If you want to learn about the upcoming class of U20 players for the United States, then take a look at this beauty:
USA 2015 U20 World Cup: Primer
Camp meets in Italy this month for the first time. The roster has yet to be fully released, but there are leaks. Romain Gall for instance.
Yes, you should be very, VERY excited about this.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Thursday, October 10, 2013
EJ Pulls Out
Eddie Johnson has withdrawn from the USMNT with a groin injury, according to US Soccer. Klinsmann has also taken the liberty of calling in three more players; Chris Wondolowski, Clarence Goodson, and Brad Davis.
Doubtful that any will start at this point, but quite possible that we will see several as subs.
But hey, bring on the Iceman!
Doubtful that any will start at this point, but quite possible that we will see several as subs.
But hey, bring on the Iceman!
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
I'm Not Big on Bashing, But We've Got Probs In Our Youth System
So for all you who have an interest in helping the youth game here, I suggest reading howsyourtouch.wordpress.com on a regular basis. Here's his latest.
MNT Clipboard - 10/9/13
+ We're going to start off today's clipboard with a little nugget brought to my attention this morning on Twitter. It looks as if Gooch has garnered some interest from Valencia CF in Spain. The club is in need of a center back after Adil Rami's little temper tantrum - he's since fallen out of favor with the manager and club. Onyewu is a free agent and thus eligible to be signed right away. Could this possibly put him back on Klinsmann's radar? Doubtful. Gooch's time is up and the team has moved on. At one point during this year there was chatter he was headed back to the MLS after terminating his contract with Sporting Lisbon, but it has since died out. We would be lying however, if we told you this wouldn't be a good move for him. He desperately needs playing time, and Valencia are in need of a player like him who can be bought for cheap. It's a good partnership. Hope it works out.
+ Yes, the roster is out. We sit midway through the week eagerly anticipating the time we may see the Iceman put Jamaica to shame, but we're also kind of sad. There's really nothing quite like the Hex, and as it comes to a close we can't help but shed a small tear. We put forth our best guess as to the starting XI come Friday night, but since we can't seem to find the link at ASN, we'll have to settle with this:
Now, this is somewhat different from what was predicted yesterday simply because the fact that JK had hinted at the use of two forwards was an unknown at that point. Here, we've done our best guess. Let me explain...we'll start up top.
I just can't see Klinsmann going with Johannsson yet - not starting anyway. Trust me, I'd absolutely love it if he did, but I think we're more likely to see that in Panama then in Kansas City. (Which is a shame since that's what most fans want it would seem.) So it's your typical EJ/Altidore pairing up top, which is in all likelihood what we will see at the World Cup in some fashion. Those two have been clutch all qualifying and Klinsmann knows it.
Out wide things have changed quite a bit. Donovan is on the left simply because he's better there than Bedoya is. Bedoya has leapfrogged Zusi in my humble opinion, and I think he'll start Friday even though it's a home match for the SKC man. Of course, if we are just wrong all together and it's a totally different formation (say 4-2-3-1), I can see Donovan in the #10 role and Bedoya on the left with Zusi on the right. That's just one example - another could be EJ on the left with everything else the same.
Holding down the midfield will be Jones, no doubt. But who will partner with him. The race may be closer than you think between Kljestan and Diskerud. Kljestan overs more defensive cover than perhaps Diskerud, but Mix gives you more attacking prowess. I think Mix will enter second half, which leaves, as you undoubtedly see, Kljestan starting next to Jones. Is this the first time we may really get to see Sacha in his natural position? If memory serves, yes. Every other time he's played out wide. There will have to be solid communication if it's going to work, but it's a huge stage for Kljestan as he try's to make the World Cup.
Lastly, the defense. It's either Orozco or Cameron, and I'm going with the later. He deserves it and based on a recent article at the four letter network, Klinsmann is looking for ways to get him in. As for goalkeeper, well, let's just say as much as I love Guzan and how well he's done he hasn't overtaken Timmy just yet.
+ I have sat here and debated about whether or not to moan about the absence of Lichaj. You know my stance on the matter, so I'll just leave it at that with these parting words: Regardless of him playing in the Championship, that should not deter JK nor anyone else from calling him in. You sorely underestimate the quality of the league - it is on par with if not better than Major League Soccer and yet you all want everyone from everywhere in MLS playing outside back for the USMNT. I don't get it. On top of that, he's played at the international level before. That must count for something.
+ If you missed it, it looks as if we will face not only Scotland in November, but Austria as well. However, that is dependent on if they beat Sweden on Friday or not. If Austria loses, their schedule becomes a whole lot clearer. If they win, then the chances of our match drop significantly because they'll be playing instead to get into the World Cup as a second place team. Needless to say, I'll be watching this one on Friday.
+ Good news from Hertha today - Brooks has begun light training with the team again. According to their website, he is quoted as saying with regards to next month's friendlies, "I hope that next time I'm there!".
+ Also leaked this week at SB Nation were details on a friendly pre-WC tournament. Iran is definitely in as well as the USA, with an unknown South American and European side in it as well. How exciting!
+ Yes, the roster is out. We sit midway through the week eagerly anticipating the time we may see the Iceman put Jamaica to shame, but we're also kind of sad. There's really nothing quite like the Hex, and as it comes to a close we can't help but shed a small tear. We put forth our best guess as to the starting XI come Friday night, but since we can't seem to find the link at ASN, we'll have to settle with this:
Now, this is somewhat different from what was predicted yesterday simply because the fact that JK had hinted at the use of two forwards was an unknown at that point. Here, we've done our best guess. Let me explain...we'll start up top.
I just can't see Klinsmann going with Johannsson yet - not starting anyway. Trust me, I'd absolutely love it if he did, but I think we're more likely to see that in Panama then in Kansas City. (Which is a shame since that's what most fans want it would seem.) So it's your typical EJ/Altidore pairing up top, which is in all likelihood what we will see at the World Cup in some fashion. Those two have been clutch all qualifying and Klinsmann knows it.
Out wide things have changed quite a bit. Donovan is on the left simply because he's better there than Bedoya is. Bedoya has leapfrogged Zusi in my humble opinion, and I think he'll start Friday even though it's a home match for the SKC man. Of course, if we are just wrong all together and it's a totally different formation (say 4-2-3-1), I can see Donovan in the #10 role and Bedoya on the left with Zusi on the right. That's just one example - another could be EJ on the left with everything else the same.
Holding down the midfield will be Jones, no doubt. But who will partner with him. The race may be closer than you think between Kljestan and Diskerud. Kljestan overs more defensive cover than perhaps Diskerud, but Mix gives you more attacking prowess. I think Mix will enter second half, which leaves, as you undoubtedly see, Kljestan starting next to Jones. Is this the first time we may really get to see Sacha in his natural position? If memory serves, yes. Every other time he's played out wide. There will have to be solid communication if it's going to work, but it's a huge stage for Kljestan as he try's to make the World Cup.
Lastly, the defense. It's either Orozco or Cameron, and I'm going with the later. He deserves it and based on a recent article at the four letter network, Klinsmann is looking for ways to get him in. As for goalkeeper, well, let's just say as much as I love Guzan and how well he's done he hasn't overtaken Timmy just yet.
+ I have sat here and debated about whether or not to moan about the absence of Lichaj. You know my stance on the matter, so I'll just leave it at that with these parting words: Regardless of him playing in the Championship, that should not deter JK nor anyone else from calling him in. You sorely underestimate the quality of the league - it is on par with if not better than Major League Soccer and yet you all want everyone from everywhere in MLS playing outside back for the USMNT. I don't get it. On top of that, he's played at the international level before. That must count for something.
+ If you missed it, it looks as if we will face not only Scotland in November, but Austria as well. However, that is dependent on if they beat Sweden on Friday or not. If Austria loses, their schedule becomes a whole lot clearer. If they win, then the chances of our match drop significantly because they'll be playing instead to get into the World Cup as a second place team. Needless to say, I'll be watching this one on Friday.
+ Good news from Hertha today - Brooks has begun light training with the team again. According to their website, he is quoted as saying with regards to next month's friendlies, "I hope that next time I'm there!".
+ Also leaked this week at SB Nation were details on a friendly pre-WC tournament. Iran is definitely in as well as the USA, with an unknown South American and European side in it as well. How exciting!
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
It Was Too Good to Be True
US Soccer just announced that the release has been put back a few days, so sadly we won't know tomorrow (Thursday). Now what to do with that added time...
Word is that it won't come out before Sunday now. That comes from Doug McIntyre (ESPN).
Word is that it won't come out before Sunday now. That comes from Doug McIntyre (ESPN).
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
It's Time For...Guess That Roster! (Updated)
So, with a slew of injuries and qualification in the bag, you'd think there would be more new faces then normal in these upcoming World Cup Qualifiers. You'd be right in your assumption, but in reality don't count on a lot of them. In fact, I only have two in mine and you've probably already guessed them by now. Let's begin.
Goalkeepers: Tim Howard, Brad Guzan, Nick Rimando
If there is one goalkeeper from this crew that won't make it, it's likely Rimando due to the end of the MLS season. That doesn't seem very likely since RSL have a playoff spot pretty much in the bag. Now it's just a matter of seeding. If Kreis wants Rimando to stay in Salt Lake City then I think Sean Johnson gets the nod. There's still a part of me that would like to see either Cody Cropper or Steve Clark (Honefoss, NOR) get a look (Cropper for the second time), but I can't see that happening.
Defenders: Eric Lichaj, Timmy Chandler,John Brooks, Matt Besler, Omar Gonzalez, DeMarcus Beasley, Edgar Castillo, Geoff Cameron, Jonathan Spector, Michael Orozco
Jonathan Spector and Eric Lichaj are in, but not for the same spot. Spector has played minutes for Birmingham City this season in the midfield, and I wouldn't put it past Klinsmann to be willing to try it out - at least in practice. Lichaj will battle Chandler for the right back spot, but could Klinsmann try Lichaj at LB? Maybe. And hey, let's cap JAB this time.
Update: Sadly, it is true. Brooks will not be at camp per JK tonight. The elbow injury has proved too much to bear. That's very unfortunate as the next time the USA could possibly cap him is at the World Cup itself. Now, I think Brooks is still committed to the US, but it will be pins and needles for a lot of fans until next summer. Hopefully JK recognizes the need to keep calling him. This is also poor timing, since Goodson is out with injury and Boca seems to be in the past now. Orozco get's the call but I wouldn't mind seeing George John, just to throw that out there. Shame Will Packwood isn't fully healthy...
Midfielders: Sacha Kljestan, Jermaine Jones,Michael Bradley, Alejandro Bedoya, Mix Diskerud, Fabian Johnson, Joe Corona, Graham Zusi
This is very tricky. All the hype on Jones this week is just that - hype. He's going to be there. Bradley...well, perhaps that's the fan boy in me coming out, praying he'll be there because I long for his touch in the MF, but hey, he has been training with the ball of late, albeit alone. Is it really worth it to fly him all the way to Panama if he won't even play? Yes and no. Corona has come on strong in the last week. If he starts tonight for Tijuana v Club America it will increase his odds of being there. Zusi sits ahead of Corona right now in the depth chart, but that hasn't been easy. If Fabian Johnson is a scratch because of his recent ankle injury (which we're told is not severe), then both Corona and Zusi make it.
Update: It was announced tonight in Klinsmann's presser that Michael Bradley will also NOT be in camp. So that clears up some room as he was in my original 23. It was also announced that Dempsey, as of now, will be there. I'm dropping Corona because I feel that at this point he's on the outside looking in, even though he's playing right this moment for Tijuana (but didn't start). Zusi gets the nod.
Forwards: Jozy Altidore, Aron Johannsson, Terrence Boyd, Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey
Yes, no Dempsey or Eddie. Dempsey is still out with a hamstring injury, though it remains to be seen if he'll recover in time. That, combined with his poor form since coming to MLS and trying to convince Sigi that it's the right thing to do means, in my mind, no Deuce. Which could be a good thing. A kick in the pants you know? As for Eddie, simply put October should be a time where Aron and Terrence get a chance to shine. EJ will be in Brazil, so let's give him a rest. I'm sure Sounders fans will appreciate it. It was hard to leave Herc and Paul Arriola behind, but Herc is just coming back and Arriola, despite being on fire right now, just couldn't squeeze past Boyd. Thinking November or January for him.
Update: JK confirmed that Dempsey will, as of now, be in camp.
Starting XI will come out later this week. The roster will be announced on Thursday by US Soccer.
Goalkeepers: Tim Howard, Brad Guzan, Nick Rimando
If there is one goalkeeper from this crew that won't make it, it's likely Rimando due to the end of the MLS season. That doesn't seem very likely since RSL have a playoff spot pretty much in the bag. Now it's just a matter of seeding. If Kreis wants Rimando to stay in Salt Lake City then I think Sean Johnson gets the nod. There's still a part of me that would like to see either Cody Cropper or Steve Clark (Honefoss, NOR) get a look (Cropper for the second time), but I can't see that happening.
Defenders: Eric Lichaj, Timmy Chandler,
Jonathan Spector and Eric Lichaj are in, but not for the same spot. Spector has played minutes for Birmingham City this season in the midfield, and I wouldn't put it past Klinsmann to be willing to try it out - at least in practice. Lichaj will battle Chandler for the right back spot, but could Klinsmann try Lichaj at LB? Maybe. And hey, let's cap JAB this time.
Update: Sadly, it is true. Brooks will not be at camp per JK tonight. The elbow injury has proved too much to bear. That's very unfortunate as the next time the USA could possibly cap him is at the World Cup itself. Now, I think Brooks is still committed to the US, but it will be pins and needles for a lot of fans until next summer. Hopefully JK recognizes the need to keep calling him. This is also poor timing, since Goodson is out with injury and Boca seems to be in the past now. Orozco get's the call but I wouldn't mind seeing George John, just to throw that out there. Shame Will Packwood isn't fully healthy...
Midfielders: Sacha Kljestan, Jermaine Jones,
This is very tricky. All the hype on Jones this week is just that - hype. He's going to be there. Bradley...well, perhaps that's the fan boy in me coming out, praying he'll be there because I long for his touch in the MF, but hey, he has been training with the ball of late, albeit alone. Is it really worth it to fly him all the way to Panama if he won't even play? Yes and no. Corona has come on strong in the last week. If he starts tonight for Tijuana v Club America it will increase his odds of being there. Zusi sits ahead of Corona right now in the depth chart, but that hasn't been easy. If Fabian Johnson is a scratch because of his recent ankle injury (which we're told is not severe), then both Corona and Zusi make it.
Update: It was announced tonight in Klinsmann's presser that Michael Bradley will also NOT be in camp. So that clears up some room as he was in my original 23. It was also announced that Dempsey, as of now, will be there. I'm dropping Corona because I feel that at this point he's on the outside looking in, even though he's playing right this moment for Tijuana (but didn't start). Zusi gets the nod.
Forwards: Jozy Altidore, Aron Johannsson, Terrence Boyd, Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey
Yes, no Dempsey or Eddie. Dempsey is still out with a hamstring injury, though it remains to be seen if he'll recover in time. That, combined with his poor form since coming to MLS and trying to convince Sigi that it's the right thing to do means, in my mind, no Deuce. Which could be a good thing. A kick in the pants you know? As for Eddie, simply put October should be a time where Aron and Terrence get a chance to shine. EJ will be in Brazil, so let's give him a rest. I'm sure Sounders fans will appreciate it. It was hard to leave Herc and Paul Arriola behind, but Herc is just coming back and Arriola, despite being on fire right now, just couldn't squeeze past Boyd. Thinking November or January for him.
Update: JK confirmed that Dempsey will, as of now, be in camp.
Starting XI will come out later this week. The roster will be announced on Thursday by US Soccer.
Monday, September 30, 2013
MNT Clipboard
+ It was leaked today by Grant Wahl* at SI.com that there's a good chance the US will face Austria in addition to Scotland in November. Another solid addition. It is conditional upon whether or not Austria beats Sweden in October, which if they do they will still be in contention to qualify for the World Cup. If they lose, their schedule just became open. Austria are a young, talented team and a nation who, if they don't make it in 2014, will likely make a strong push for 2018. It's a good move by Klinsmann to set this one up if possible.
*Correction: Steven Goff had it weeks ago. Thanks for bringing that to my attention. Surprised I missed it in the first place...
+ Jermaine Jones has become a curious case. If indeed there is something wrong with his body, wouldn't it be wiser to get it fixed rather than put it off and make it worse? That leaves an interesting decision to be made by JK. He will have all the necessary information to make the correct decision. Jones is on thin ice with his club it seems as well. Schalke have said he won't play in their Champions League match this week due to his poor performance over the weekend against Hoffenheim. Is this the beginning of a rift between player and club? Hopefully not.
+ Fabian Johnson took an ankle injury this weekend. It's not serious, and the hope is he'll recover in time for October. If not then Greg Garza gets my vote (yes, over Beasley and Castillo). In all honesty, that's probably very unlikely, but there's minimal risk in doing it now.
+ USSF scouts were in attendance at several games over the weekend, including the Stoke, Nottingham Forest, and Birmingham City matches. This is good news for Lichaj believers. If he's not there in October I will be quite surprised. Spector has seen consistent minutes for BCFC and could make a surprise appearance as well, but I think Lichaj is more likely. If I had to guess, I'd say Chandler and Lichaj both get invites for October.
+ Speaking of, the roster should be announced at the end of this week. It would be great to get another surprise early release, but that doesn't seem to be how JK operates. Sunday afternoon would be my best guess.
+ Lastly, I want to briefly discuss Michael Bradley. The timing of his injury really couldn't have been worse. He will now face a fight to get into a blazing hot Roma side right now. In a World Cup year, playing time is everything. Will MB be content with sub appearances? Will JK? I find it hard to believe either would be. Bradley works very hard, and my hope is he can prove us wrong and get starts, but I'm not betting on it. For the record, can I just say that Roma are slowly pulling me into fandom. Their coach is a man who's work I've enjoyed at Lille, and he's doing extraordinary things now at Roma. I've always wanted to root for Gervinho, but couldn't do it while he was at Arsenal, and everyone knows MB is a personal favorite. I think I may start following them more closely. Anyway, with their hot start they sit atop the league, but honestly not really having played anyone (Lazio was a fluke, they didn't have their normal back four). The true test starts soon, with games against Inter and Napoli on the horizon. It's a tough pull for a fan like me - on one hand I want Bradley to play, a lot, and therefore would encourage a move if he isn't, but on the other I want him to play in Champions League and Roma look good to make it (again, it's early but still...). What's a guy like me to do??
Let me know your thoughts below or on Twitter.
*Correction: Steven Goff had it weeks ago. Thanks for bringing that to my attention. Surprised I missed it in the first place...
+ Jermaine Jones has become a curious case. If indeed there is something wrong with his body, wouldn't it be wiser to get it fixed rather than put it off and make it worse? That leaves an interesting decision to be made by JK. He will have all the necessary information to make the correct decision. Jones is on thin ice with his club it seems as well. Schalke have said he won't play in their Champions League match this week due to his poor performance over the weekend against Hoffenheim. Is this the beginning of a rift between player and club? Hopefully not.
+ Fabian Johnson took an ankle injury this weekend. It's not serious, and the hope is he'll recover in time for October. If not then Greg Garza gets my vote (yes, over Beasley and Castillo). In all honesty, that's probably very unlikely, but there's minimal risk in doing it now.
+ USSF scouts were in attendance at several games over the weekend, including the Stoke, Nottingham Forest, and Birmingham City matches. This is good news for Lichaj believers. If he's not there in October I will be quite surprised. Spector has seen consistent minutes for BCFC and could make a surprise appearance as well, but I think Lichaj is more likely. If I had to guess, I'd say Chandler and Lichaj both get invites for October.
+ Speaking of, the roster should be announced at the end of this week. It would be great to get another surprise early release, but that doesn't seem to be how JK operates. Sunday afternoon would be my best guess.
+ Lastly, I want to briefly discuss Michael Bradley. The timing of his injury really couldn't have been worse. He will now face a fight to get into a blazing hot Roma side right now. In a World Cup year, playing time is everything. Will MB be content with sub appearances? Will JK? I find it hard to believe either would be. Bradley works very hard, and my hope is he can prove us wrong and get starts, but I'm not betting on it. For the record, can I just say that Roma are slowly pulling me into fandom. Their coach is a man who's work I've enjoyed at Lille, and he's doing extraordinary things now at Roma. I've always wanted to root for Gervinho, but couldn't do it while he was at Arsenal, and everyone knows MB is a personal favorite. I think I may start following them more closely. Anyway, with their hot start they sit atop the league, but honestly not really having played anyone (Lazio was a fluke, they didn't have their normal back four). The true test starts soon, with games against Inter and Napoli on the horizon. It's a tough pull for a fan like me - on one hand I want Bradley to play, a lot, and therefore would encourage a move if he isn't, but on the other I want him to play in Champions League and Roma look good to make it (again, it's early but still...). What's a guy like me to do??
Let me know your thoughts below or on Twitter.
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Diskerud's Birthday - A Special Project
You can tell that Mix is a fan favorite, and one of his fans is doing something a little extra this year for the lovely locked mans birthday. Go here for more: http://twitlonger.com/show/n_1rnsq5b
I've already sent in mine. Have you?
I've already sent in mine. Have you?
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Five Americans Who Should Play in October
The USA may have qualified for Brazil, but the Hex itself is not yet over. There is work yet to do. Not only do we want to finish top of the Hex (yes, we do), but the squad needs to continue to gel while at the same time ironing out some kinks that still exist - mainly the back line and out wide.
Klinsmann has recently stated that he will be bringing in the strongest squad possible (good news for those who got tickets) for the last two matches at home to Jamaica in Kansas City and away to Panama. There are pros and cons to this. One of the biggest pros has to be the extra time the squad will receive to gel prior to Brazil next summer. However, one of the biggest cons is that with the added depth the USA now has, several faces may miss out on a big opportunity - especially when qualification is already secured and the United States has nothing to lose.
Who are some of these Americans who may miss out? Here's a look at my top five (in no particular order).
5. Eric Lichaj: It had to be right? How could it not. For whatever reason, Klinsmann seems to not rate the Nottingham Forest man, snubbing him time after time. Last year, alright, I can see why. Playing odd minutes sparingly for a terrible club (at the time) is no way to make an impression. Things have changed. Lichaj has earned a starting role with Forest, and has played every minute of the season so far. It should be added that not only are Forest vying for promotion and already looking good for it, but he plays in a position that we NEED to lock down ahead of the World Cup. Cherundolo is going to be hard pressed to come back, no matter what fans may say. Chandler doesn't know what he's doing right now. Evans is only a temporary solution that likely won't work well at a bigger stage. Yedlin: the time is not right (think January). Cameron you say? Because he plays there for Stoke? Come on, why not play a talented player who's natural position it already is! Lichaj's time is now - surely Klinsmann won't miss out on this opportunity? There's no excuse anymore.
4. Brek Shea: Having just about returned from an injury picked up during the summer right after winning the Gold Cup, Shea brings an interesting conundrum to the table. Through no fault of his own the 'Brekken' seems likely to miss out on making the cut for Octobers matches. Likely to return to action next week in the Capital One Cup after finally recovering and attaining match fitness, Shea will need October to attempt to break into the starting eleven. Stoke were no slouches during the summer transfer window, and Shea no longer sits as a prime option (although in my opinion he still offers a lot to the side regardless) for Mark Hughes. For those reasons it seems unlikely that Klinsmann would call him in. It's hard to really pick a side in this one, but if a left back is finally found and it's not Fabian Johnson, Shea's task of making the World Cup just got much harder. Johnson has been a revelation on the left side in both places (LB & LM/LW) and therefore missing October could come back to bite Shea in the rear end. Yet at the same time, locking down a starting spot at your club has been the agenda of Klinsmann ever since he came in. It's no secret that Shea is a favorite of Klinsmann's, so perhaps it won't be such a huge miss after all...
3. Greg Garza: If you aren't familiar with Greg Garza by now, you're missing out. Did I mention he's a left back? A natural one, mind you. The young American has seen increased minutes this season with Tijuana, even getting starts over our very own Edgar Castillo, although the starting spot still belongs to the later mentioned. Garza brings some solid experience to the scene, having also plied his trade in Europe, mainly Portugal, and now Mexico. If Klinsmann, like me, enjoys playing Fabian Johnson in the midfield then in my eyes Garza deserves a shot. It's a higher level, but one in which I feel Garza is prepared for. The 22 year old LB is finally starting to take the stage as his own, and has played really well when given the chance. Like I said earlier, we're going to Brazil. Let's take a chance now. This is one that will likely pay off.
2. Terrence Boyd: Having scored for his club last week, Boyd is getting hot now that he's recovered from his injury. But the competition for a spot in the squad has heated up as well, leaving him with a fight to get in. If Klinsmann is indeed bringing the top squad in October then Boyd could miss out with the likes of Altidore, Eddie Johnson, Landon Donovan, and Aron Johannsson all likely getting the call before him at this point. To me, and this will be controversial, Boyd deserves a look over Eddie Johnson right now. Yes, Eddie's been hot. But it's time for Boyd to take the stage. Similar to what happened to Conor Casey on our way to South Africa, if Boyd can get in and do well then Johnson might face the chopping block (sorry Eddie, I still love you). What better time to test this than now??
1. John Anthony Brooks: Just cap him already. He needs to play. He needs to go to Brazil, and the time to figure out who he will partner with is NOW. Not November, in a less pressured situation. It's NOW. The talent is there. Let's tap it. I believe Brooks will be in the squad in October, but my argument here is he needs to play. You want to talk to me about gelling a squad ahead of Brazil? Yeah, it has to start forming ASAP. Again I say to, why not? We're already in, and playing Brooks in the long run can only help us.
Take a look at the squads that Holland and Italy will bring next month. They'll be a mixed bag, but youth and inexperience will feature. Mark my words. We would do well to take a page from their book and do the same.
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