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.
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