The United States Men’s National Team that will take on Mexico on October 10 was announced today by head coach Jürgen Klinsmann.
The 23-man roster is as follows:
GOALKEEPERS: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)
DEFENDERS: Ventura Alvarado (Club América), DaMarcus Beasley (Houston Dynamo), Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City), Brad Evans (Seattle Sounders), Fabian Johnson (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Michael Orozco (Club Tijuana), Tim Ream (Fulham), Jonathan Spector (Birmingham City)
MIDFIELDERS: Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Alejandro Bedoya (Nantes), Michael Bradley (Toronto FC), Jermaine Jones (New England Revolution), Danny Williams (Reading), DeAndre Yedlin (Sunderland), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City)
FORWARDS: Jozy Altidore (Toronto FC), Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes), Gyasi Zardes (LA Galaxy)
Your #USAvMEX roster #OneNationOneTeam pic.twitter.com/48aiy4klQK
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) October 3, 2015
Klinsmann told ussoccer.com about his selection, “I think team unity, chemistry, the atmosphere between the players, the bonding, is huge in this game… It’s probably one of the key factors in order to win. It’s that they are there for each other. They understand that this is not about me, this is about the United States, this is about representing my country and this is about winning a trophy with my teammates. I think the word chemistry is huge approaching that Mexico game.”
Some injuries played a part in Klinsmann’s USMNT selection as forward Aron Jóhannsson injured his adductor and defender John Anthony Brooks will not be available for the game with an injured thigh.
Some concerns have been made about Klinsmann’s defensive choices as he has chosen Ventura Alvarado, who hasn’t played in Club América in four games, over Omar Gonzalez, who consistently plays well for the LA Galaxy.
Whatever it is Klinsmann has in mind for the match-up in a week, we will have to wait and see how Jürgen will set up the lineup for the Yanks. Hopefully for USMNT fans, Coach Klinsmann can get the best out of this squad and arrange the right players with the best chemistry. A ticket to the 2017 Confederations Cup lays in the hands (or feet in this case) of these 23 Americans.
