10916_isi_agudelojuan_usmntjd10081636 John Dorton/isiphotos.com
U.S. Men's National Team

Agudelo, Boyd Most Notable Names on Revised Roster

Two talented forwards who have been out of the U.S. national team mix for quite some time returned to the squad as Jurgen Klinsmann released nine players and added seven new ones.
BY Brian Sciaretta Posted
October 09, 2016
3:30 AM

AFTER FRIDAY'S lackluster 2-0 win over Cuba in Havana, United States national team head coach made a series of roster changes ahead of Tuesday’s friendly against New Zealand in Washington, D.C.

Most of the players who returned to their clubs are based in Europe and are long-established contributors to the national team. Most of those added to the roster are with North American clubs and are somewhat on the fringe.

The nine players who were released: John Brooks, Geoff Cameron, Timmy Chandler, Ethan Horvath, Fabian Johnson, Jordan Morris, Christian Pulisic, Chris Wondolowski, and Bobby Wood.

The seven who were added: Kellyn Acosta, Juan Agudelo, Matt Besler, Terrence Boyd, Bill Hamid, Michael Orozco, and Tim Parker.

Here's the full roster:

GOALKEEPERS

David Bingham (San Jose Earthquakes), Bill Hamid (D.C. United), William Yarbrough (Club Leon)

DEFENDERS

Kellyn Acosta (FC Dallas), Matt Besler (Sporting KC), Steve Birnbaum (D.C. United), Omar Gonzalez (Pachuca), Michael Orozco (Club Tijuana), Tim Parker (Vancouver Whitecaps FC)

MIDFIELDERS

Paul Arriola (Club Tijuana), Michael Bradley (Toronto FC), Lynden Gooch (Sunderland), Perry Kitchen (Hearts), Sacha Kljestan (New York Red Bulls), Danny Williams (Reading)

FORWARDS

Juan Agudelo (New England Revolution), Jozy Altidore (Toronto FC), Terrence Boyd (RB Leipzig), Julian Green (Bayern Munich)

The decision to release Christian Pulisic comes somewhat as a surprise as he is still finding his role within the national team. That said, the move does fall in line with what Jurgen Klinsmann has said about young players needing to spend time with their clubs to not lose their place. Jordan Morris could have helped his national team prospects by playing Tuesday as he is still in a fierce competition for minutes. But the Seattle Sounders have a crucial midweek game in what is an intense playoff chase.

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The only established player among those joining the team is Matt Besler. Terrence Boyd is the biggest surprise as he has not yet returned to RB Leipzig’s first team two years after his ACL injury. The charismatic forward, however, is among the more popular players in the pool and his return will be welcomed by teammates and fans.

Juan Agudelo is by far the most significant addition. The talented New England Revolution forward has shown moments of brilliance with the national team dating back to 2011 but he has never become a regular contributor. Now playing very well for his club, he might have an opportunity to join the chase in what is becoming a tough competition up top—especially given Clint Dempsey's serious health issues.

Vancouver Whitecaps defender Tim Parker was called up in January for the first time but did not play in either of the two friendlies. Now the Long Island native actually has the rare opportunity to be an MLS-based player to make a national team debut outside of January camp in the Klinsmann-era. The only three players to have done this are Alan Gordon, Matt Miazga, and Darlington Nagbe.

What do you think of Klinsmann's call-ups? Share your take in the Comments section below.

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