+ 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!
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