US World Cup Roster

Goalkeepers: Probable Starter: Tim Howard (Everton)
Subs: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
==> Pretty much as expected. These three are all playing in England. Tim Howard really is the man here. As Tony Meola ('94) and Brad Friedel ('02) have shown, a great goalie can be ridden into the group stage.


Defenders:
Probable Starters: Carlos Bocanegra (Stade Rennais), Oguchi Onyewu (AC Milan), Jay Demerit (Watford), Jonathan Spector (West Ham)
Subs: Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96), Clarence Goodson (IK Start)
==> Bocanegra and Oguchi are nicked up, so I expect the subs to see some time. Also, if the US gets behind, all three subs are good at getting forward and/or good on set pieces. A little more depth in the center of the D would have helped. I have a feeling that is why they tested out Edu there in the Czech friendly. I also have a feeling that if they are protecting a lead, they will take off a forward and add another holding midfielder (4-5-1).

Midfielders: Michael Bradley (Borussia Monchengladbach), Ricardo Clark (Eintracht Frankfurt), Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Benny Feilhaber (AGF Aarhus) Stuart Holden (Bolton), Jose Torres (Pachuca), DaMarcus Beasley (Rangers)
==> This is where things get interesting, because both Clint and Landon are listed as middies. I have a feeling, looking at the forwards selected, that one of them (most like Dempsey) will be used at forward. I think that the key to the offense is the play of Michael Bradley, and the key to the defense is Ricardo Clark.

Forwards: Edson Buddle (LA Galaxy), Robbie Findley (Real Salt Lake), Herculez Gomez (Pachuca), Jozy Altidore (Villarreal)
==> With the exception of Altidore, this is a really inexperienced group. I don't think two players from this group will be starting. The great thing about Altidore is that he can create his own shot, because I think he is going to have to.