Are they longshots? Completely. Would we wager the ranch on them making the World Cup roster? Nope. However these 10 gamers might sneak into the 23-man squad that america plans to take to Brazil.
BY
Daryl Grove
Posted
July 02, 2013
1:33 PM
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A YEAR IS A LONG TIME in worldwide soccer.
Give it some thought: 12 months in the past, if we instructed you that the U.S. could be beginning Brad Evans and DaMarcus Beasley at fullback, and that Matt Besler could be the U.S.’s greatest center-back, you in all probability would have laughed at us. So who is aware of what can occur between now and World Cup 2014?
To that finish, listed below are 10 gamers who at present have zero caps—nada—for the U.S., who might conceivably be sitting on a Brazil-bound airplane subsequent June as a part of Klinsmann’s 23-man roster.
Mike Magee
How does a 28-year-old midfielder with Magee’s scoring file have zero appearances for the U.S. nationwide crew? Is he secretly Canadian or one thing? Possibly the transfer to Chicago will shine a light-weight on the person’s abilities at simply the proper time. Bonus motive to take Magee: emergency goalie.
Jack McInerney
This pacy rascal can’t cease poaching objectives in MLS. In truth, the one solution to cease the 20-year-old hurting MLS defenses was to get him on the U.S. roster for the Gold Cup. Who is aware of how far he can go? Couple of objectives in opposition to Belize and Cuba, and Jack Mac may very well be recreating Michael Owen’s 1998 objective subsequent summer time.
John Anthony Brooks
The six-foot-four German-American defender performs for Hertha Berlin and continues to be having hassle deciding which nation to signify. However with Klinsmann not totally satisfied by anybody in central protection, perhaps a spot within the Brazil-bound 23 will likely be sufficient to sway J.A.B. to the Stars & Stripes.
Aron Johannsson
The Icelandic-American striker was born in Cell, Alabama, however his household upped and moved to Reykjavic when he was three. He was referred to as as much as the complete Iceland squad in October 2012, however pulled out with a groin harm—so his worldwide allegiance continues to be up for grabs. Now Johansson has a option to make. The thrilling growth is that Johansson just lately joined AZ, so Jozy Altidore has an opportunity to not solely type a strike partnership with Johansson, but in addition to steer the six-foot-tall striker that his worldwide future lies within the land of his start. As a result of, critically, which nation is extra more likely to have a crew in Brazil subsequent 12 months?
Osvaldo Alonso
Alonso performed 16 occasions for Cuba, his closing recreation being within the 2007 Gold Cup earlier than he defected. However he’s been a U.S. citizen since 2012, and a standout performer in Seattle’s midfield since 2009. Alsono’s aggressive model might see him type a scary shaven-headed midfield partnership with Michael Bradley. What’s extra, Klinsmann has overtly stated he’d love to offer Alonso an opportunity. The sticking level is Cuba, which is seemingly refusing to sanction Alonso’s change. For now….
Kofie Sarkodie
Klinsmann loves an overlapping fullback, and the 22-year-old Houston proper again can barely comprise his ardour for going previous the midway line. With Steve Cherundolo and Timmy Chandler coping with accidents and Brad Evans having a shaky grip on the #2 jersey, Sarkodie might nonetheless make a late run—so to talk—for the spot. Or at the least a backup spot.
Corey Ashe
Take every little thing stated about Sarkodie above and substitute the phrase “right back” with “left back.” Subsequent, substitute the identify “Brad Evans” with “DaMarcus Beasley.” Then combine in the truth that Sarkodie’s fellow Dynamo is definitely on the Gold Cup roster and all of it seems very potential.
Andrew Farrell
If Sarkodie can’t make a declare on that right-back spot, then New England’s Farrell will be the man we’re searching for. The 2013 SuperDraft No.1 decide performs proper again with simply the right combination of velocity, power, and method. Plus, he has greater than sufficient confidence to go previous his man, wherever they’re on the sector. He’s solely 21 and has but to seem for any of the U.S. junior groups, however he’s already caught the attention in MLS this season.
Luis Gil
The 19-year-old Actual Salt Lake participant has contact and method to spare, evidenced by his turn-and-golazo end in opposition to Spain on the U-20 World Cup. It was a uncommon vivid spot for the U.S. crew, and it was very vivid. Gil could be the #10 U.S. Soccer has been ready for, so there are worse methods of utilizing your twenty third World Cup roster spot.
Chris Pontius
Ask any D.C. United fan if Pontius ought to play for the nationwide crew and also you’ll get an over-excited “YES!” that borders on aggressive. He can play huge left or behind the striker, and has been in two coaching camps with out ever making the sector. Pontius is out-of-form proper now, as are all of his teammates, however when that turns round towards the top of the season, count on the “Pick Pontius” calls to get loud once more.
JUST MISSED OUT
DeAndre Yedlin might each present a wacky-haired different to Sarkodie at proper again. Whereas kids like Jose Villarreal, Daniel Cuevas, and Joseph Gyau might all present choices on the proper wing if they’ll get some common taking part in time with their respective golf equipment. And what about George John? He may be dominant, so why should not he be within the consideration set, particularly with the 2 kids taking part in in central protection?
OK, we all know that is extremely speculative and even perhaps a bit loopy. However what do you assume? Is there anyone on this checklist you’d like to see in Brazil? Is there one other cap-less soul who belongs in right here? Share your ideas beneath.
