ESPN Preview of US vs. Mexico

God damn, I'm excited. I get to yell at Oswaldo Sanchez in person; that is the kind of thing you think you can only dream about. Nice to see ESPN pulling out the stops advertising this one.

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20-Man US Roster (A little late)

Check out the US Roster for the Mexico game below and click here to see the press release from US Soccer. Notable exclusions from the squad are Freddy Adu, Maurice Edu, and Steve Cherundolo (injury), while Robbie Rogers and Marvell Wynne are strong candidates to get dropped from the 18-man roster on game day. I will be leaving for Columbus on Wednesday morning. Is 10 am too early to start pre-gaming?

U.S. ROSTER BY POSITION
GOALKEEPERS (2): Brad Guzan (Aston Villa: 4/3 SO), Tim Howard (Everton FC: 7/5 SO)
DEFENDERS (7): Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes: 16/2), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA, 1/0), Danny Califf (FC Midtjylland: 3/0), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus Crew: 14/1), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard de Liege: 12/1), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock: 7/0), Marvell Wynne (Toronto FC: 0/0)
MIDFIELDERS (6): DaMarcus Beasley (Glasgow Rangers: 21/6), Michael Bradley (Borussia Mönchengladbach: 6/2), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo: 3/0), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA: 6/0), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew: 0/0), José Francisco Torres (Pachuca: 1/0)
FORWARDS (5): Jozy Altidore (Xerez C.D.: 3/1), Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo: 12/6), Charlie Davies (Hammarby IF: 1/1) Clint Dempsey (Fulham FC: 12/4), Landon Donovan (Bayern Munich: 25/9)

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Preliminary Training Camp Roster for Mexico

Now before anyone starts calling for Bob Bradley's head, let's remember that this camp is mainly to keep out of shape MLS players (and Charlie Davies) in top form for their possible selection for the Mexico game. When the game rolls around on Feb 11th, look for most of the US lineup to be comprised of European-based players. That being said, I could see Ching, Hejduk, Klejstan, Bornstein, and Wynne having a chance to make the roster for the showdown in Columbus (With the former 3 pretty much locks). Check out the roster below:

U.S. Men’s National Team Roster By Position
GOALKEEPERS (3): Jon Busch (Chicago Fire), Will Hesmer (Columbus Crew), Matt Pickens (Colorado Rapids)
DEFENDERS (5): Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus Crew), Ugo Ihemelu (Colorado Rapids), Chris Wingert (Real Salt Lake), Marvell Wynne (Toronto FC)
MIDFIELDERS (8): Brian Carroll (Columbus Crew), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Eddie Gaven (Columbus Crew), Stuart Holden (Houston Dynamo), Jack Jewsbury (Kansas City Wizards), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew), John Thorrington (Chicago Fire)
FORWARDS (4): Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Kenny Cooper (FC Dallas), Charlie Davies (Hammarby IF), Chris Rolfe (Chicago Fire)

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Feilhaber Rehabbing, Szetela Chilling

Maurice Edu, Michael Bradley, Danny Szetela, and Benny Feilhaber (pictured above) make up the contingent of young American central midfielders that US fans hope will develop into stars for the Red, White, and Blue. The latter two have been getting less of the spotlight as Edu made a big time move to Rangers and Bradley moved to the Bundesliga, but both should still have a bright future with the senior squad. Szetela has been getting significant PT with Brescia in Serie B, while Feilhaber has finally overcome the need for surgery on his bum knee and is close to returning to training. Check out ESPN's piece on Szetela and Yanks Abroad's piece on Feilhaber. Let's hope that Szetela can turn some of that Italian experience into solid contributions with the US and Feilhaber can regain the form and confidence he showed us in the last Gold Cup.

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US vs. Mexico News

When my friend informed me that he had ordered our tickets today for the Mexico game in Columbus, I felt it was only appropriate that I make a post about the game and the teams involved. First, Goal.com chips in with a couple articles about the Mexican team, one a preview of Mexico in the Hexagonal and the other an analysis of the state of Mexican Football. Just like a good journalist and newspaper should always do, they cover both sides of the story by posting some exclusive video from the US National Team. They have Sacha Kljestan talking about taking a leadership role with the Senior team (above) and Kenny Cooper talking about staying in Dallas next year (let's hope they at leat raised his salary a little bit). Last but not least as I steal all of Goal.com's content, Andrea Canales checks in from the US training camp in California.

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MNT Camp News

The January MNT Camp began yesterday and there have already been two withdrawals. Clarence Goodson has not yet made it back to form after ankle surgery and Cory Gibbs withdrew for an undisclosed reason (better be a good one because this was one of his last shots). Replacements have not been announced but I am sure they will come in the next few days as the backline is a little short after the aforementioned withdrawals.

Ives checks in for ESPN, breaking down a few things and a few players to pay attention to during the camp. Personally, I am going to be paying close attention to how Stuart Holden, Chad Marshall, Robbie Rogers, and Charlie Davies do, as I think they could all have legitimate futures with the Senior squad. I am also going to be checking for Kenny Cooper, who apparently will be staying in Dallas next year, and Sacha Kljestan, who has impressed me with his performances of late. Who do you think will make a splash during this camp? Did I miss anybody? Let me know.

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Freddy Adu Stays Put and A Look to 2009

Monaco's head coach, Ricardo Gomes, has put an end to the speculation over Freddy Adu's status with the team by stating that he will remain with the team for the rest of the season. It's nice to see that Freddy is still wanted at the French club, but it would be even better to see that transfer into some more playing time for the young American. At least he found time in 2008 to score the sick goal posted above (and in high quality).

Also, check out this article, as Jeff Carlisle looks ahead to 2009 and what the US MNT and it's players have to look forward to. It's a big year with WCQ and the Confederation's Cup, let's make it a good one.

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Bradley Names January Camp Roster

Bob Bradley announced his 25-man roster for the January training camp today and those complaining about young players not getting a shot, don't have much to complain about. Marvell Wynne, Charlie Davies, Kenny Cooper, Stuart Holden, Robbie Rogers, and Chad Marshall were all called in as well as veteran defenders Danny Califf and Cory Gibbs (Brown University represent). This camp should give Bradley a good chance to look at some of his younger players in preparation for the friendly against Sweden on January 24th. Check out the full roster in the link at the beginning of the post or over at the MNT blog.

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US MNT - Goals of 2008

Courtesy of the generous YouTube page of US Soccer, I present to you the 2008 MNT Goal Compilation. Nice little holiday gift from US Soccer, now if I could just find out when I can get my tickets for the Mexico game.

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Neven Subotic to Play for Serbia

Well that blows. First Bakary Soumare decides to play for Mali, and now here comes official word that Neven Subotic will be plying his trade with Serbia. Well, at least people can stop talking about this on message boards and concentrate on the real important stuff, like will John O'Brien make his long awaited return to the game of soccer (just joking). On the real, this is very disappointing. But with Orozco and Torres recently choosing to play for the US, I believe that we are taking the right steps to make sure we can prevent this from happening as much as possible. Makes you appreciate Chad Marshall that much more, doesn't it?

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Sacha Wins Best Goal for Olympic Strike

Sacha takes home the award from US Soccer for "Best Goal: Men" in 2008, courtesy of his classy goal in the Olympics against Holland. Can't really argue with the selection, as the goal had me jumping off the couch cheering, even though it was early as hell and I had to go to work after. The rest of the winners can be found by clicking here and watching the videos. The winners of the Best Athlete awards will be announced later today.

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US vs Mexico: Should Be Quite a Trip

When it was announced that the US vs Mexico game on Feb 11th would be played in Columbus, I figured I would have good time watching the game on my couch, drinking a few beers. Then my brother suggested that we go, and reminded me that the game falls on one of my good friends' birthdays. Now I am hyped. If all goes to plan, I will be watching this game in person thanks to cheap flights from Southwest and a cheap hotel room thanks to Holiday Inn. US Soccer put up the video above on their Youtube page as promo for the game. Gotta love the fact they include a few shots of Gooch making Borgetti his bitch. Anyone else plan on making the trip?

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US to Face Mexico In Columbus

The US Men's Soccer team is heading back to Columbus to face Mexico in their opening game of the Hexagonal on Feb 11th. Although there was speculation that this game might be played in Seattle or at Real Salt Lake's new stadium, it was always going to be Columbus. The last two times that US has faced Mexico in the final round of WCQ, the games have been held in Columbus and the US has prevailed 2-0 on both occassions. What's that? Dos a cero, damn right. Let's hope Tim Howard and the boys can bring some of that magic again, and that Mexico still hates playing in cold weather. Check the video above for footage of the US vs. Mexico game in 2001, courtesy of the guys over at the US MNT blog.

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Dos a Cero, Sound's about right

Sorry for the delay, I took a day to bask in the glory of victory and annual leave. Nice performance put in by the young fellas, emphasized by the poor display by the visiting Guatemalans. Solid defending, two quality goals and some nice confident ball movement. Those who had been calling for Kenny Cooper had to be happy with the result, as he finished well after a quality move and pass from Jozy. With Beasley, Dempsey, Donovan, Bradley, Edu and Davies available for the Hexagonal, let's see how big Bob does with some tough personnel decisions.

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The Wait is Over

Let's hope the boys have carb-loaded for the game like Michael Phelps, and are hyped for the game despite being through to the next round. I'm picking the US to win 2-1, getting at least one goal from Jozy. Give a prediction. Will the young Americans rise to the occasion, or will a desperate Guatemalan side overcome an inexperienced American side like Trinidad before them? Let me know what you think. Thanks go to the MNT blog for the preview above.

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What's the Point?

So with the US already through to the next round, and most European players along with top MLS players getting a rest, why should you care about the US vs. Guatemala WCQ ( Wed. on ESPNClassic, 8 pm ET)? Here are a few reasons (or a few players) to watch:

1. Freddy Adu - After a couple of strong performances in friendlies against world powers, Spain and Argentina, and a move to Monaco in Ligue 1, Freddy seemed poised to realize his potential and become a regular for the US. Now having struggled in the last qualifier versus T&T and failing to break into the lineup at Monaco, he has another chance to step up and shine against a motivated Guatemalan team.

2. Jozy Altidore - A goal in your first game against Mexico, and a 10 million dollar move to Villareal can certainly raise expectations for you future. But after a lackluster performance in the Olympics, a lack of playing time for the Spanish giants, and a possible loan move on the horizon, Jozy gets another opportunity to show that he is the future at the forward position for the US.

3. Kenny Cooper - Kenny Cooper earned this call up. After getting overlooked for all of the critical qualifiers, and turning down a chance to play against T&T to stay and help his club, we finally get a chance to see the big man don a US jersey once again. Second in MLS with 18 goals scored, Cooper has established himself as one of the most prolific American strikers at the club level. At only 24 years old, lets hope that nose for goal translates to the international level.

4. Cory Gibbs and Conor Casey - Both were once promising young players that were supposed to be future mainstays for the US. Both went through more injuries than you can imagine. Both came back to MLS, and the Colorado Rapids to rejuvenate their careers. Job well done. During their late season push, the Colorado Rapids leaned on Gibbs to steady their inconsistent back line and depended on Casey for the goals. If they can stay clear of the injury bug and continue their resurgence, they can add some quality depth to their positions on the national team.

5. Michael Parkhurst - The 2007 MLS Defender of the Year, and perennial Fair Play award winner (only 9 fouls in a season, really?), has never developed into a mainstay for the senior squad. One of the most dominant defenders in MLS, Parkhurst should get a fair amount of playing time on Wednesday, and another chance to prove that his lack of physical play will not hinder him on the international level. His contract with the Revs is up, and a good performance could increase his stock in the January transfer window.

6. Jonathan Bornstein - Once Bradley's favorite option at left back, Bornstein has been relegated to the background thanks to a series of injuries and Heath Pearce's steady play at the position. But, after overcoming early season injuries and helping Chivas reach the playoffs for the second year in a row, Bornstein gets another shot to assert himself as the premier American left back.

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US Roster for Qualifier Announced

Thanks to the MNT blog for the video announcement of the roster for the upcoming WCQ vs. Guatemala on Wednesday. Nice to see Brad Guzan, Freddy Adu, and Jozy Altidore get called in. Experience playing against a desperate Guatemalan team will be vital for the trio, as playing time has been hard to come by for their respective European teams.

U.S. ROSTER BY POSITION
GOALKEEPERS (3): Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Troy Perkins (Valerenga IF), Matt Pickens (out of contract)
DEFENDERS (6): Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Sean Franklin (Los Angeles Galaxy), Cory Gibbs (Colorado Rapids), Clarence Goodson (IK Start), Drew Moor (FC Dallas), Michael Parkhurst (New England Revolution)
MIDFIELDERS (5): Freddy Adu (AS Monaco), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado Rapids), John Thorrington (Chicago Fire)
FORWARDS (6): Jozy Altidore (Villarreal), Davy Arnaud (Kansas City Wizards), Conor Casey (Colorado Rapids), Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Kenny Cooper (FC Dallas), Chris Rolfe (Chicago Fire)

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Spector Extends Deal with West Ham

Despite having been out of action since June thanks to surgery to repair a torn labrum, Johnathan Spector has signed a new three-year contract with West Ham. The new deal extends his stay at West Ham one year, through 2011. This is good news for the young American, whose promising career has been hampered by injuries the past couple seasons.

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Bradley Was Probably Pulling for Chicago

I would like to say that I was neutral when I was watching last night's game, but I wasn't completely. I was rooting for the Fire a little bit; not because I like watching Blanco fall to the ground more than these goats, but because I would of liked to see some of the young Americans on the Crew get called in for the qualifier against Guatemala. I don't know if Bradley is planning on calling anybody in from the losing teams in this round, but it would have been nice to see Robbie Rogers and Chad Marshall lining up for the US. Too bad the most exciting young player that plays for the Fire (sorry Justin Mapp), just decided to play for Mali.

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The MNT Blog is Back

After a month-long absence after the last World Cup qualifier, the US MNT blog is back. Check out the site over the course of the next week as it will post some exclusive content from US Soccer. They do a good job of posting exclusive videos from practice and behind the scenes and is definitely worth a look, especially in a week leading up to a qualifier.

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