ASN: These 23 Gamers Ought to Make U.S. Hexagonal Roster

The 2018 World Cup is precisely 643 days away, and the U.S. males’s nationwide crew has lots to do between every now and then to earn a spot within the event. Right here is ASN’s take a look at the crew’s Hexagonal roster. 

BY

Brian Sciaretta

Posted
September 09, 2016
8:25 AM

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THERE WILL BE NO EASING INTO the Hexagonal this time round.

The US males’s nationwide crew will open CONCACAF’s ultimate spherical of World Cup qualifying in Columbus, Ohio, on November 11 in opposition to arch rival Mexico. After that, Jurgen Klinsmann’s crew will fly to Costa Rica, the place it has by no means received, to face the Ticos on November 15.

So yeah—the coach must assemble the suitable assortment of gamers or threat falling behind early on this year-long, six-team event.

The make-up of the U.S. roster will morph over time, and the 23 gamers who symbolize the Stars and Stripes in two months won’t be the identical gamers who lace them up in Russia in 2018—assuming the Yanks qualify, that’s.  

And apart from, there’s nonetheless two months to go earlier than the Hexagonal begins. The October friendlies in opposition to Cuba and New Zealand might reveal rather a lot about Klinsmann’s plans, and fringe gamers who carry out properly in opposition to these two squads might claw their manner into consideration. Having mentioned all of that, right here is my prediction for the roster Klinsmann will title for these two essential matches in November. 

GOALKEEPERS

Tim HowardBrad GuzanEthan HorvathIn the Combine: Nick Rimando, David Bingham, Luis Robles

This can be a fairly settled place for the U.S. in the meanwhile, though it’s removed from sure if Klinsmann will begin Guzan or Howard in opposition to Mexico. Membership type within the subsequent couple of months will dictate that. In the meantime, Horvath seems to be the No. 3 choice proper now.

DEFENDERS

DeAndre YedlinFabian JohnsonGeoff CameronJohn BrooksMatt BeslerOmar GonzalezKellyn AcostaTimothy ChandlerIn the Combine: Steve Birnbaum, Michael Orozco, Matt Miazga, Eric Lichaj, Jorge Villafana, Jonathan Spector

Whereas Fabian Johnson noticed time at his most popular midfielder place in opposition to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, it is arduous to see Klinsmann not enjoying him in a fullback function in opposition to high competitors. There are some attention-grabbing positional battles. Will Gonzalez or Birnbaum get the nod for maybe the ultimate central protection spot? Will Jorge Villafana get a glance in October at left again? Did Kellyn Acosta do sufficient to earn a fullback spot regardless of not enjoying there for FC Dallas? Does Michael Orozco proceed to have a task on this crew?

Timothy Chandler might be a pleasant spot to make a little bit of a transfer if he can stay wholesome and play for Eintracht Frankfurt. Each time it looks as if he’s on the surface of this crew, he at all times finds his manner again in.

MIDFIELDERS

Michael BradleyAlejandro BedoyaSacha KljestanChristian PulisicDarlington NagbePaul ArriolaJermaine JonesLynden GoochIn the Combine: Kyle Beckerman, Graham Zusi, Ethan Finlay, Perry Kitchen, Danny Williams, Alfredo Morales, Caleb Stanko

There might be quite a lot of turnover within the midfield within the months forward. Sacha Kljestan made a really sturdy assertion throughout this previous worldwide break, as did Paul Arriola, who might be a helpful offensive substitute off the bench.

Lynden Gooch seems to be to be in sturdy form for an October call-up and he provides the form of versatility Klinsmann likes. The Santa Cruz, Calif., native can play on the wings or centrally. Whereas he has not been capped October looks as if a superb time to present the Sunderland starter an in depth look.

The large query at this place facilities on veterans: Is there room for each Kyle Beckerman and Jermaine Jones on this crew? If Beckerman is gone, maybe a longtime defensive midfielder like Caleb Stanko, Perry Kitchen, or Danny Williams is available in.

FORWARDS

Jozy AltidoreBobby WoodClint DempseyJordan MorrisIn the Combine: Aron Johannsson, Rubio Rubin, Julian Inexperienced, Chris Wondolowski

Jozy Altidore and Bobby Wooden are locks at this level. Clint Dempsey is as properly however his well being is in query in the meanwhile. It is also arduous to see Jordan Morris not being on this roster proper now because the Seattle Sounders rookie was full of life off the bench in opposition to Trinidad & Tobago.

Aron Johannsson is on his manner again and he might proceed to push for a spot—particularly if Dempsey can not go. Rubio Rubin may even want to face out at Utrecht to make a case for a spot, but it surely might occur. At this level, as gamers are coming back from damage, it seems to be like Chris Wondolowski is perhaps sliding additional out of the image.

What do you consider Brian’s selections? Obtained a number of totally different choices in thoughts? Share within the Feedback part under.