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Big Three All Smiles Night Before Germany Match
Clint Dempsey, Michael Bradley, and Tim Howard are ranked right at the top of the ASN 100, and they will need to deliver today when the U.S. national team tackles Germany at RFK Stadium in Washington D.C.
Michael Bradley is back!
But will that be enough to help the United States men's soccer team stand up to Germany, the No. 2-ranked team in the world? We will find out today at 2:30 p.m. (ESPN2, UniMas) as the Americans play another top opponent in preparation for three World Cup qualifiers in June.
Jurgen Klinsmann is a proud man and will want to give his former team a competitive match, but the final score will be irrelevant. More important than a win or a loss will be some indication that the U.S. learned something from its embarrassing 4-2 loss against Belgium on Wednesday.
Will Omar Gonzalez maintain his focus for 90 minutes and take his game to a higher level? Will Jozy Altidore relocate the killer instinct he showed all season long in the Netherlands and apply it for the national team? Will Klinsmann make roster changes and tactical adjustments to give his charges a better chance at victory? Any chance we'll see Terrence Boyd for an extended period of time?
Three key players who missed the Belgium beatdown will be available for selection today: Bradley, Fabian Johnson, and Edgar Castillo. Bradley will start and play 90. Given the team's limp offensive showing in Cleveland, it would be nice to see the skilled, offensive-minded Johnson and Castillo play alongside one another on the left side.
It should be a fascinating match to watch.
Check back with American Soccer Now later today for Jon Arnold's game preview, and be sure to watch this space for the game story (including lots and lots photos), player ratings, and more.
As always at ASN, we want you to interact with our content and be part of the conversation. Get in-depth player profiles with our intensely clickable ASN 100 module; see how your favorite national team players responded to our exclusive ASN Questionnaire; create your very own USA—Germany Starting XI, and then after the match be sure to sound off with your very own Player Ratings.
Enjoy today, because starting Friday the stakes get higher and your anxiety level is sure to skyrocket.
John Godfrey is the founder and editor in chief of American Soccer Now.
