Fans of the U.S. Mens National Team are eagerly anticipating May 15, the date when 26-28 Americans will report to Princeton University begin the official pre-World Cup training camp for USMNT. Although it is a good sign and a huge honor and there are definitely some locks to make it to South Africa, a training camp invite is not necessarily a guarantee for a spot on the final 23-man roster. Headman Bob Bradley will use not only the week-long camp but also two friendlies against the Czech Republic (5/25 in East Hartford) and Turkey (5/29) in Philadelphia to make final judgments before submitting the final roster by June 1. Let's take a look at some the prospects of USMNT's finest.
STONE COLD LOCKS
Forwards: Jozy Altidore (Hull City/Villarreal)
- Despite the mini-meltdown against Sunderland as well as only 1 goal in 28 appearances this season at Hull, it would be an absolute stunner if Bob Bradley even considered to leave Jozy off the roster. Admittedly, Altidore is a raw product, but he has shown potential on the big stage, most notably against Spain in the Confed Cup semis last summer.
Midfielders: Michael Bradley (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Ricardo Clark (Eintracht Frankfurt), Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy), Benny Feilhaber (AGF)
- Dempsey and Donovan are no-brainers, especially considering their strong performance in the premiership this season. Bradley, Clark, and Feilhaber all have shown consistent play in recent appearances with the USMNT and Clark's recent move to the notoriously physical Bundesliga should help him adjust more to the rigors of World Cup play.
Defenders: Carlos "Blackmouth" Bocanegra (Rennes), Jay DeMerit (Watford), Oguchi Onyewu (AC Milan), Jonathan Spector (West Ham)
- Bocanegra, a defensive stalwart and a set piece wiz, will likely wear the captain's armband again in South Africa. Despite playing in the Championship and having some scary injury issues, DeMerit has been solid in past USMNT appearances. Onyewu hasn't played since the last WCQ againt Costa Rica so match fitness is an issue, but he is back to full training and is too much of a stud to leave off the starting lineup. Spector has had a trying season with West Ham flirting with relegation for much of the EPL campaign, but his defense coupled with his ability to play the long ball (as evidenced below against Brazil) make him an asset on D.
Goalkeepers: Tim Howard (Everton), Brad Guzan (Aston Villa)
- One of the great ironies of the June 12 matchup between USA and England is that one of England's perennial weaknesses has always been one of the US' greatest strengths. There is no doubt that both Howard or Guzan (or even Marcus Hahnemann as we'll discuss later) would start for the Three Lions if they were England eligible.
PROBABLY MAKING THE TEAM
Forward: None
- Forward is a position of great concern for USMNT. Injuries and incompetence have made Jozy the only for sure thing at this position, and even he has some question marks.
- Torres and Edu both have won titles in the past weeks with Pachuca (CONCACAF Champions League) and Rangers (Scottish Premier League) respectively. Holden is back in training with Bolton after breaking his fibula in the friendly against Holland and is even being considered to start in Bolton's finale against Spurs.
Defenders: Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96)
- Stevie C has been battling injuries lately, but has returned to playing full 90s with Hannover 96, a side potentially staring at life in the second tier of the Bundesliga.
- I was flabbergasted to learn that Hahnemann has had one of the top save percentages in the Premier League this season. One could even argue that he has single-handedly kept Wolves away from relegation. But alas, the Screamin' Eagles are so loaded at GK that it would take a miracle for Hahnemann to see the pitch this summer.
Forward: Charlie Davies (Sochaux), Edson Buddle (Los Angeles Galaxy)
- Call me an optimist, but I think Charlie will complete his well documented comeback and make the final roster. As stated earlier, USMNT has very few quality options up top. Although Davies needs to get in match shape (with limited opportunities remaining in the Ligue 1 season), I could envision Bob Bradley using #9 as a second half sub and a spark to provide some offensive energy in situations where the Americans might be trailing. I, for one, would be extremely delighted to see the "Stanky Leg" unleashed in Africa.
- Buddle's is a unique case: a player with a handful of caps who has been red hot in league play. Although MLS defense is far from what the US will deal with this summer, I can't imagine Buddle playing too much anyways. Either way, I think he'll find a way to squeeze onto the roster. Brian Ching and Conor Casey have cap experience, but their poor performances lately (along with their incredible lack of speed), will leave them off the roster.
Midfielders: DaMarcus Beasley (Rangers), Sacha Klejstan (Chivas USA)
- Beasley had a horrendous Confederations Cup that left most observers wondering if he would ever don the red, white, and blue ever again. But he has really come on lately a Rangers and a solid appearance against Holland in March may have cemented his place in the final 23. His World Cup experience probably doesn't hurt either. I had been off the Sacha Klejstan for a while, but he has really impressed so far this season at Chivas. In both of the games I've seen him, he's controlled possession, made smart decisions, and has been all over the field, all qualities you look for in a midfielder. He also had this screamer against San Jose two weeks ago.
Defenders: Edgar Castillo (Tigres), Clarence Goodson (IK Start)
- I think Bradley will take a chance on Castillo, a guy who is unproven in USMNT terms, but has shown flashes in the Mexican league. Goodson has had some caps in some minor USMNT matches and plays consistently in Norway. I would consider both of these guys to be insurance policies for the back line.
Forwards: Altidore, Dempsey
Midfield: Clark, Donovan, Bradley, Holden
Defenders: Bocanegra, Onyewu, DeMerit, Spector
Goalkeeper: Howard
Top Subs: Davies, Feilhaber, Edu
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