Well the new USMNT coach is wasting no time in getting a look at some less familiar faces for the squad. Here is the 22 man roster for next weeks friendly with Mexico:
GOALKEEPERS (2): Bill Hamid (D.C.United), Tim Howard (Everton)
DEFENDERS (8): Carlos Bocanegra (Saint-Etienne), Edgar Castillo (Club America), Timmy Chandler (FC Nürnberg), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96), Clarence Goodson (Brondby), Michael Orozco Fiscal (San Luis), Heath Pearce (Chivas USA), Tim Ream (New York Red Bulls)
MIDFIELDERS (7): Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Michael Bradley (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Ricardo Clark (Eintracht Frankfurt), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Jermaine Jones (Schalke 04), Brek Shea (FC Dallas), Jose Torres (Pachuca)
FORWARDS (5): Freddy Adu (Benfica), Juan Agudelo (New York Red Bulls), DaMarcus Beasley (Puebla), Edson Buddle (FC Ingolstadt), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy)
When asked about his roster choices Jurgen made the following statement:
"One of the goals of the roster for this game and moving forward is to create competition at each position," said Klinsmann. "There are many players who are established as well as many players who will get opportunities, and we want there to be a healthy contest for spots on the roster. We will get a good look at where each player is as quickly as we can during the short time in camp, and we will finish with an exciting game against Mexico."
I like the selections of Freddy Adu, who was solid during the Gold Cup and brought a lot of energy, Brek Shea, who has simply been one of the best players in MLS this year, and Kyle Beckerman, who under Bradley was dropped from consideration too often but can bring a toughness that is hard to replicate. I think it is great for Kyle who had just about given up hope on future call ups, now a chance to show that he belongs with the squad. I am hoping that in the September match against Costa Rica that maybe we will get so see some more MLS defenders get a chance to get some time with the USMNT.
I think Jurgen is going to run a very open and fair selection process, I love making guys compete for the honor of representing the US, a first roster made with under a week on the job and I think many USMNT fans will be happy. It should be an interesting match, haven't see the Mexican team roster yet but you always should expect fireworks when these two teams meet.
What are your thoughts on the roster? Who would you like to see get called up in September?
OFF MY SOAPBOX