The United States Roster
Here Are the 30 Americans Still in the World Cup Mix
Jurgen Klinsmann has announced his provisional World Cup roster—30 athletes who will train and compete in Palo Alto, Calif., as they attempt to secure one of the 23 seats on the plane to Brazil.
WE'RE GETTING CLOSE NOW. The provisional roster isn't the final roster, but Jurgen Klinsmann's list of 30 names marks a major milestone on the road to the biggest sporting event in the world.
A few headlines: Eddie Johnson did not make the cut. Neither did Juan Agudelo or Tim Ream. The biggest surprise? Joe Corona snuck in after not making much of an impact with the national team in the last few months.
Here's where you can create your Starting XI for the Azerbaijan match.
Here's where you can create your final 23-man roster for Brazil.
And here's a ton of information about the provisional roster.
GOALKEEPERS: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)
DEFENDERS: DaMarcus Beasley (Puebla), Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), John Brooks (Hertha Berlin), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City), Timmy Chandler (Nürnberg), Brad Evans (Seattle Sounders FC), Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy), Clarence Goodson (San Jose Earthquakes), Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim), Michael Parkhurst (Columbus Crew), DeAndre Yedlin (Seattle Sounders FC)
MIDFIELDERS: Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Alejandro Bedoya (Nantes), Michael Bradley (Toronto FC), Joe Corona (Club Tijuana), Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo), Mix Diskerud (Rosenborg), Maurice Edu (Philadelphia Union), Julian Green (Bayern Munich), Jermaine Jones (Besiktas), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City)
FORWARDS: Jozy Altidore (Sunderland), Terrence Boyd (Rapid Vienna), Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders FC), Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy), Aron Johannsson (AZ Alkmaar), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)
Our take on the 30 players who made this first cut starts now.
PLACE OF BIRTH New Jersey
POSITION: Midfielder
U.S. CAPS: 83
CLUB: Toronto FC
ASN 100 RANK: 1
Clint Dempsey wears the U.S. armband. Landon Donovan has the most career goals and assists. Tim Howard is the biggest American star in Europe. But Michael Bradley is the most indispensable player on the United States national team. A true box-to-box midfielder, Bradley is the United States' best playmaker, its best ball-winner, and its best passer. Klinsmann can and should build his lineups and tactics around the General. It's hard to imagine the U.S. winning anything if Bradley has anything other than a strong showing in Brazil. SEE FULL PROFILE
PLACE OF BIRTH New Jersey
POSITION: Goalkeeper
U.S. CAPS: 97
CLUB: Everton
ASN 100 RANK: 2
Klinsmann has called Tim Howard "one of the best five goalkeepers in the world," and we're not about to dispute that claim. The Everton talisman has ranked among the top goalkeepers in the English Premier League for the better part of a decade and gives the United States a game-changing presence in the back. Blessed with great reflexes, strong communication skills, and plenty of big-game experience, Howard will need to organize and bolster the U.S.' shaky back four. SEE FULL PROFILE
PLACE OF BIRTH Texas
POSITION: Midfielder/Forward
U.S. CAPS: 103
CLUB: Seattle Sounders
TWITTER: @Clint_Dempsey
ASN 100 RANK: 3
Dempsey is the most dangerous weapon in Klinsmann's arsenal. He can score with either foot, he is a gifted header of the ball, and he possesses a sometimes-frightening desire to win at all costs. Will the U.S. captain be able to keep his emotions in check in Brazil? Probably. Will he be able to provide the on-field leadership necessary to advance past the group stage? It's anybody's guess. SEE FULL PROFILE
PLACE OF BIRTH Massachusetts
POSITION: Defender
U.S. CAPS: 24
CLUB: Stoke City
TWITTER: @GeoffCameron
ASN 100 RANK: 4
Make no mistake—Geoff Cameron will see plenty of game time action in Brazil. But nobody seems to know where. At right back, the position he plays in the Premier League? In central defense, his preferred position, and an unsettled spot on the U.S. back line? In the midfield, where his steady play and ball-control is a tremendous asset? Some combination of all three? Cameron's landing spot is one of the more intriguing subplots as the World Cup draws near. SEE FULL PROFILE
PLACE OF BIRTH Munich, Germany
POSITION: Defender/Midfielder
U.S. CAPS: 19
CLUB: Hoffenheim
ASN 100 RANK: 5
Fabian Johnson is "one of the best left backs" in the Bundesliga, according to Klinsmann, and legions of American supporters are hoping the U.S. coach will choose to play Johnson in that historically hard-to-fill position. Because Johnson is so quick and has such great field vision, however, he is also a viable option on the left wing. The thing is: The Yanks have multiple options in the midfield, and are thin at the back. At left back, Johnson solves a problem. On the wing, he creates a problem—namely, who sits in his place? SEE FULL PROFILE
PLACE OF BIRTH California
POSITION: Midfielder/Forward
U.S. CAPS: 156
CLUB: Los Angeles Galaxy
TWITTER: @LandonDonovan
ASN 100 RANK: 6
Has Landon Donovan lost a step or two? Yes. Can he still be an impact player for the United States? Absolutely. Named the Best Young Player at the 2002 World Cup, Donovan also played a key role in the 2006 and 2010 tournaments. It remains to be seen if the he U.S.' all-time leading scorer is still considered a first-choice starter for the national team, or if he'll be asked to contribute coming off the bench. Either way, he has game-changing talent and experience, and will likely get a chance to demonstrate it this summer. SEE FULL PROFILE
PLACE OF BIRTH Alabama
POSITION: Forward
U.S. CAPS: 7
CLUB: AZ Alkmaar
TWITTER: @AronJo20
ASN 100 RANK: 7
The Icelandic-American striker struck pay dirt 17 times for his Dutch Eredivisie side this past season. Will that translate to a goal or three on soccer's biggest stage? A bigger question: Will Aron Johannsson get a chance to see meaningful minutes in Brazil? If Klinsmann sticks with his single-striker setup, Johannsson may have to settle for a backup role behind Jozy Altidore. If Klinsmann lands on a 4-4-2, Johannsson may get a chance to show the world what he can do. SEE FULL PROFILE
PLACE OF BIRTH Illinois
POSITION: Goalkeeper
U.S. CAPS: 23
TWITTER: @BGuzan
ASN 100 RANK: 9
If everything goes according to plan, Guzan, the No. 1 goalkeeper at Aston Villa and the No. 2 for the Stars and Stripes, will not see a second of action at the 2014 World Cup. But as Guzan showed in Mexico City in March 2013, he is a more than capable backup to Tim Howard. As usual, the goalkeeping position is a U.S. strength, and Guzan is a big part of the reason why.
SEE FULL PROFILE
PLACE OF BIRTH New Jersey
POSITION: Forward
U.S. CAPS: 67
CLUB: Sunderland
TWITTER: @JozyAltidore
ASN 100 RANK: 9
Jozy Altidore scored eight goals in 14 appearances with the U.S. national team in 2013, good enough to earn him U.S. Soccer's 2013 Male Athlete of the Year. It's quite a different story at Altidore's club team, Sunderland, where he managed just one goal in 1,777 minutes of playing time across 31 appearances. Altidore seems to have the inside track for a starting spot against Ghana on June 16, but if he doesn't deliver Klinsmann will no doubt be tempted to make a change. SEE FULL PROFILE
PLACE OF BIRTH Kansas
POSITION: Defender
U.S. CAPS: 14
CLUB: Sporting Kansas City
TWITTER: @MBesler
ASN 100 RANK: 10
Major League Soccer's 2012 Defender of the Year isn't particularly big (six-foot-one; 170 pounds), strong, or fast. But Matt Besler always seems to be in the right spot at the right time. He has proved more than adequate against MLS and CONCACAF competition; it remains to be seen if Besler will suffice against the likes of Germany and Portugal. SEE FULL PROFILE
PLACE OF BIRTH Florida
POSITION: Midfielder
U.S. CAPS: 18
CLUB: Sporting Kansas City
TWITTER: @Gzusi
ASN 100 RANK: 11
When Donovan took a sabbatical just after the end of the 2012 MLS season and just before the final round of World Cup qualifying, Graham Zusi stepped into the void and claimed the right wing spot as his own. Will Zusi, a gifted crosser and a weapon on set pieces, be able to hold off Donovan and Alejandro Bedoya and retain the starting spot? We'll find out soon enough. SEE FULL PROFILE
PLACE OF BIRTH Frankfurt, Germany
POSITION: Midfielder
U.S. CAPS: 39
CLUB: Besiktas
TWITTER: @JermaineJunior
ASN 100 RANK: 12
Jermaine Jones is a tough customer—a nasty, edgy breed of player that nobody wants to line up against. His Champions League experience also gives him instant credibility, but the Bundesliga veteran has never really found a way to co-exist with Bradley in the middle of the U.S. midfield. Both, it seems, want to push forward whenever possible, and as a result the back line is in perpetual danger. Klinsmann needs to sort this out as soon as possible. SEE FULL PROFILE
PLACE OF BIRTH Maryland
POSITION: Midfielder
U.S. CAPS: 35
CLUB: Real Salt Lake
TWITTER: @KyleBeckerman
ASN 100 RANK: 13
Kyle Beckerman is a glue guy—he's not the star of the team but he seems to make everybody around him—especially Michael Bradley—better. Unlike Jermaine Jones, who (rightfully) sees himself as a two-way midfielder, Beckerman understands that, at least on the U.S. national team, it's his job to sit in front of the back line and play safety-first soccer. It may not be sexy, but it tends to produce good results. SEE FULL PROFILE
PLACE OF BIRTH New Jersey
POSITION: Midfielder
U.S. CAPS: 26
CLUB: Nantes
TWITTER: @AleBedoya17
ASN 100 RANK: 14
An up-and-comer in a crowded U.S. midfield, Alejandro Bedoya could play a lead role in Brazil or he could end up watching a lot of soccer from the bench. He has a great motor and has improved his game considerably since arriving, and winning a starting job, in France's Ligue 1. Bedoya, Zusi, and Donovan could end up competing with one another for playing time this summer. SEE FULL PROFILE
PLACE OF BIRTH California
POSITION: Goalkeeper
U.S. CAPS: 14
TWITTER: @NickRimando
ASN 100 RANK: 15
Real Salt Lake's starting goalkeeper knows he is unlikely to see any action in Brazil, and he is perfectly OK with that. That's just the kind of guy Nick Rimando is. Better yet, if the two keepers ahead of him suddenly became incapacitated, Rimando could step into the starting role and the United States would still feel good about its backstop. That's a true luxury. SEE FULL PROFILE
PLACE OF BIRTH Indiana
POSITION: Defender/Midfielder
U.S. CAPS: 145
CLUB: Puebla
TWITTER: @DaMarcusBeasley
ASN 100 RANK: 16
A veteran of three World Cups who reinvented himself in Liga MX, DaMarcus Beasley is the kind of player you want on your team. But where will he play? On the wing, where he can use his speed and skills to open up the field? Or at left back, allowing Fabian Johnson to push forward? SEE FULL PROFILE
PLACE OF BIRTH Virginia
POSITION: Defender
U.S. CAPS: 46
CLUB: San Jose Earthquakes
ASN 100 RANK: 17
Six months ago Clarence Goodson seemed like little more than a safety net—a backup, or perhaps even a backup to the backup—for a backline that was rounding into shape. But Omar Gonzalez's struggles combined with general uncertainty throughout the defensive unit means that the tall, tacit Goodson has a decent shot at starting in Brazil. He's the opposite of flashy, but he rarely makes mistakes. SEE FULL PROFILE
PLACE OF BIRTH Oslo, Norway
POSITION: Midfielder
U.S. CAPS: 17
CLUB: Rosenborg
TWITTER: @MixDiskerud
ASN 100 RANK: 18
The U.S. national team's Mane Man boasts a world class head of hair, a great demeanor, and an inventive style of play that could prove useful if the Yanks need a late goal. Mix Diskerud is unlikely to start in Brazil, but he is very likely to make the final cut. He simply possesses a set of skills that are rare on this squad. SEE FULL PROFILE
PLACE OF BIRTH Texas
POSITION: Defender
U.S. CAPS: 18
CLUB: Los Angeles Galaxy
TWITTER: @Omar4Gonzalez
ASN 100 RANK: 19
Omar Gonzalez has the pedigree (NCAA champion, MLS Defender of the Year, multiple MLS Cups), the size, and the skills to be a world class central defender. But he also has the tendency to let his guard down at precisely the wrong moment, often to the detriment of his team. He could be a star at this tournament, a goat, or a spectator. It's all up to him. SEE FULL PROFILE
PLACE OF BIRTH Rhode Island
POSITION: Defender
U.S. CAPS: 25
CLUB: Columbus Crew
TWITTER: @MFParkhurst
ASN 100 RANK: 20
The disarray in the U.S. defense stands to benefit Michael Parkhurst more than anyone. Last year the affable, soft-spoken right back couldn't get off the bench at Augsburg, so he returned to MLS and is playing well for the Columbus Crew. And there's a distinct chance he will be starting at right back against Ghana on June 16. SEE FULL PROFILE
PLACE OF BIRTH Bremen, Germany
POSITION: Defender
U.S. CAPS: 12
CLUB: Rapid Vienna
TWITTER: @TBoyd91
ASN 100 RANK: 21
Terrence Boyd's unbridled love for U.S. soccer is infectious, and he brings a similar energy to his play as well. A budding star in Austria, Boyd has yet to score for the Yanks in 12 appearances. His performances in the send-off series will determine his World Cup fate. SEE FULL PROFILE032920116051.jpg?1347233390
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PLACE OF BIRTH Frankfurt, Germany
POSITION: Defender
U.S. CAPS: 8
CLUB: Nurnberg
ASN 100 RANK: 24
The fact that Timothy Chandler made this provisional roster tells you everything you need to know about the troubled state of the U.S. defense. Chandler is coming off a meniscus tear, and has only played a handful of minutes since January. He is non-committal about playing for the U.S. And Klinsmann seems to have a real problem with the Nurnburg defender. And yet, here he is. Be afraid, people. SEE FULL PROFILE
PLACE OF BIRTH Berlin, Germany
POSITION: Defender
U.S. CAPS: 3
CLUB: Hertha Berlin
TWITTER: @J_Brooks25
ASN 100 RANK: 25
John Brooks has been criticized for his lack of maturity multiple times this season. He had a clunker in his big audition against Ukraine earlier this year. And yet here he is on the provisional roster. That sound you hear is Cristiano Ronaldo salivating as he thinks about attacking the U.S. back line. SEE FULL PROFILE
PLACE OF BIRTH California
POSITION: Forward
U.S. CAPS: 19
CLUB: San Jose Earthquakes
ASN 100 RANK: 28
Chris Wondolowski's goal-poaching abilities are undeniable. He has scored 80 goals in 140 matches since joining the San Jose Earthquakes in 2009—the sort of return rate that gets you strong consideration this time of the quadrennial. The fearless, fierce competitor seems to have the inside track for one of the remaining striker spots. SEE FULL PROFILE
PLACE OF BIRTH California
POSITION: Midfielder
U.S. CAPS: 46
CLUB: Philadelphia Union
ASN 100 RANK: 30
Maurice Edu found himself in a rotten situation at Stoke City, swallowed his pride and returned to MLS, took on a leadership role with the Philadelphia Union, and now seems on the verge of making his second World Cup roster. It's hard not to root for a guy who wears his heart on his sleeve, and it will be hard for Klinsmann to look past a player with Edu's versatility. SEE FULL PROFILE
PLACE OF BIRTH Arizona
POSITION: Defender/Midfielder
U.S. CAPS: 17
CLUB: Seattle Sounders
ASN 100 RANK: 31
Brad Evans deserves an American Outlaws-led slow clap for the job he did at right back during World Cup qualifying. Asked to line up at right back, he held his own—for the most part—and helped his country reach its goal. But is he really in the running for the job at the next level? Apparently so. SEE FULL PROFILE
PLACE OF BIRTH Missouri
POSITION: Midfielder
U.S. CAPS: 14
CLUB: Houston Dynamo
ASN 100 RANK: 33
Brad Davis is the second-oldest field player on this provisional roster, but his inclusion has little to do with age or experience. It's all about his left foot, a sophisticated and useful instrument that is in short supply on this team. Late crosses, late corners, late spot kicks—that will be his sole function on this unit. SEE FULL PROFILE
PLACE OF BIRTH Los Angeles
POSITION: Midfielder
U.S. CAPS: 11
CLUB: Club Tijuana
ASN 100 RANK: 35
The biggest surprise on this list. Joe Corona has the potential to add some much-needed flair to the American midfield. The creative, attacking-minded player's game is built around excellent technical skills and vision. The Southern California native whose mother and father hail from Mexico and El Salvador, respectively, acquitted himself well during the American's unsuccessful 2012 Olympic qualifying campaign, tallying four goals and showing flashes of brilliance. SEE FULL PROFILE
PLACE OF BIRTH Washington
POSITION: Defender
U.S. CAPS: 2
CLUB: Seattle Sounders
ASN 100 RANK: 39
The future is bright for 20-year-old DeAndre Yedlin, and if the World Cup were being held in 2015 you could see him clawing his way onto the squad. Having said that, it's hard to imagine him making the final 23. His time will come—in 2016. SEE FULL PROFILE
PLACE OF BIRTH Florida
POSITION: Midfielder
U.S. CAPS: 1
CLUB: Bayern Munich
ASN 100 RANK: 45
Was he promised a roster spot? Does it matter? Julian Green has talent to burn, and given three-plus weeks to practice alongside Dempsey and Bradley and Donovan, he just might prove that he's ready to show the world what he can do. Even if he doesn't play a minute, the experience will help Green for 2018, 2022, and beyond. SEE FULL PROFILE OK, what do you think of this provisional roster? Can it survive Group G? Can it make a run in Brazil? Got a take on the next seven guys to get cut? Tell us below. John Godfrey is the founder and editor in chief of American Soccer Now.
Michael Bradley
AGE: 26PLACE OF BIRTH New Jersey
POSITION: Midfielder
U.S. CAPS: 83
CLUB: Toronto FC
ASN 100 RANK: 1
Clint Dempsey wears the U.S. armband. Landon Donovan has the most career goals and assists. Tim Howard is the biggest American star in Europe. But Michael Bradley is the most indispensable player on the United States national team. A true box-to-box midfielder, Bradley is the United States' best playmaker, its best ball-winner, and its best passer. Klinsmann can and should build his lineups and tactics around the General. It's hard to imagine the U.S. winning anything if Bradley has anything other than a strong showing in Brazil. SEE FULL PROFILE
Tim Howard
AGE: 35PLACE OF BIRTH New Jersey
POSITION: Goalkeeper
U.S. CAPS: 97
CLUB: Everton
ASN 100 RANK: 2
Klinsmann has called Tim Howard "one of the best five goalkeepers in the world," and we're not about to dispute that claim. The Everton talisman has ranked among the top goalkeepers in the English Premier League for the better part of a decade and gives the United States a game-changing presence in the back. Blessed with great reflexes, strong communication skills, and plenty of big-game experience, Howard will need to organize and bolster the U.S.' shaky back four. SEE FULL PROFILE
Clint Dempsey
AGE: 31PLACE OF BIRTH Texas
POSITION: Midfielder/Forward
U.S. CAPS: 103
CLUB: Seattle Sounders
TWITTER: @Clint_Dempsey
ASN 100 RANK: 3
Dempsey is the most dangerous weapon in Klinsmann's arsenal. He can score with either foot, he is a gifted header of the ball, and he possesses a sometimes-frightening desire to win at all costs. Will the U.S. captain be able to keep his emotions in check in Brazil? Probably. Will he be able to provide the on-field leadership necessary to advance past the group stage? It's anybody's guess. SEE FULL PROFILE
Geoff Cameron
AGE: 28PLACE OF BIRTH Massachusetts
POSITION: Defender
U.S. CAPS: 24
CLUB: Stoke City
TWITTER: @GeoffCameron
ASN 100 RANK: 4
Make no mistake—Geoff Cameron will see plenty of game time action in Brazil. But nobody seems to know where. At right back, the position he plays in the Premier League? In central defense, his preferred position, and an unsettled spot on the U.S. back line? In the midfield, where his steady play and ball-control is a tremendous asset? Some combination of all three? Cameron's landing spot is one of the more intriguing subplots as the World Cup draws near. SEE FULL PROFILE
Fabian Johnson
AGE: 26PLACE OF BIRTH Munich, Germany
POSITION: Defender/Midfielder
U.S. CAPS: 19
CLUB: Hoffenheim
ASN 100 RANK: 5
Fabian Johnson is "one of the best left backs" in the Bundesliga, according to Klinsmann, and legions of American supporters are hoping the U.S. coach will choose to play Johnson in that historically hard-to-fill position. Because Johnson is so quick and has such great field vision, however, he is also a viable option on the left wing. The thing is: The Yanks have multiple options in the midfield, and are thin at the back. At left back, Johnson solves a problem. On the wing, he creates a problem—namely, who sits in his place? SEE FULL PROFILE
Landon Donovan
AGE: 32PLACE OF BIRTH California
POSITION: Midfielder/Forward
U.S. CAPS: 156
CLUB: Los Angeles Galaxy
TWITTER: @LandonDonovan
ASN 100 RANK: 6
Has Landon Donovan lost a step or two? Yes. Can he still be an impact player for the United States? Absolutely. Named the Best Young Player at the 2002 World Cup, Donovan also played a key role in the 2006 and 2010 tournaments. It remains to be seen if the he U.S.' all-time leading scorer is still considered a first-choice starter for the national team, or if he'll be asked to contribute coming off the bench. Either way, he has game-changing talent and experience, and will likely get a chance to demonstrate it this summer. SEE FULL PROFILE
Aron Johannsson
AGE: 23PLACE OF BIRTH Alabama
POSITION: Forward
U.S. CAPS: 7
CLUB: AZ Alkmaar
TWITTER: @AronJo20
ASN 100 RANK: 7
The Icelandic-American striker struck pay dirt 17 times for his Dutch Eredivisie side this past season. Will that translate to a goal or three on soccer's biggest stage? A bigger question: Will Aron Johannsson get a chance to see meaningful minutes in Brazil? If Klinsmann sticks with his single-striker setup, Johannsson may have to settle for a backup role behind Jozy Altidore. If Klinsmann lands on a 4-4-2, Johannsson may get a chance to show the world what he can do. SEE FULL PROFILE
Brad Guzan
AGE: 29PLACE OF BIRTH Illinois
POSITION: Goalkeeper
U.S. CAPS: 23
TWITTER: @BGuzan
ASN 100 RANK: 9
If everything goes according to plan, Guzan, the No. 1 goalkeeper at Aston Villa and the No. 2 for the Stars and Stripes, will not see a second of action at the 2014 World Cup. But as Guzan showed in Mexico City in March 2013, he is a more than capable backup to Tim Howard. As usual, the goalkeeping position is a U.S. strength, and Guzan is a big part of the reason why.
SEE FULL PROFILE
Jozy Altidore
AGE: 24PLACE OF BIRTH New Jersey
POSITION: Forward
U.S. CAPS: 67
CLUB: Sunderland
TWITTER: @JozyAltidore
ASN 100 RANK: 9
Jozy Altidore scored eight goals in 14 appearances with the U.S. national team in 2013, good enough to earn him U.S. Soccer's 2013 Male Athlete of the Year. It's quite a different story at Altidore's club team, Sunderland, where he managed just one goal in 1,777 minutes of playing time across 31 appearances. Altidore seems to have the inside track for a starting spot against Ghana on June 16, but if he doesn't deliver Klinsmann will no doubt be tempted to make a change. SEE FULL PROFILE
Matt Besler
AGE: 27PLACE OF BIRTH Kansas
POSITION: Defender
U.S. CAPS: 14
CLUB: Sporting Kansas City
TWITTER: @MBesler
ASN 100 RANK: 10
Major League Soccer's 2012 Defender of the Year isn't particularly big (six-foot-one; 170 pounds), strong, or fast. But Matt Besler always seems to be in the right spot at the right time. He has proved more than adequate against MLS and CONCACAF competition; it remains to be seen if Besler will suffice against the likes of Germany and Portugal. SEE FULL PROFILE
Graham Zusi
AGE: 27PLACE OF BIRTH Florida
POSITION: Midfielder
U.S. CAPS: 18
CLUB: Sporting Kansas City
TWITTER: @Gzusi
ASN 100 RANK: 11
When Donovan took a sabbatical just after the end of the 2012 MLS season and just before the final round of World Cup qualifying, Graham Zusi stepped into the void and claimed the right wing spot as his own. Will Zusi, a gifted crosser and a weapon on set pieces, be able to hold off Donovan and Alejandro Bedoya and retain the starting spot? We'll find out soon enough. SEE FULL PROFILE
Jermaine Jones
AGE: 32PLACE OF BIRTH Frankfurt, Germany
POSITION: Midfielder
U.S. CAPS: 39
CLUB: Besiktas
TWITTER: @JermaineJunior
ASN 100 RANK: 12
Jermaine Jones is a tough customer—a nasty, edgy breed of player that nobody wants to line up against. His Champions League experience also gives him instant credibility, but the Bundesliga veteran has never really found a way to co-exist with Bradley in the middle of the U.S. midfield. Both, it seems, want to push forward whenever possible, and as a result the back line is in perpetual danger. Klinsmann needs to sort this out as soon as possible. SEE FULL PROFILE
Kyle Beckerman
AGE: 32PLACE OF BIRTH Maryland
POSITION: Midfielder
U.S. CAPS: 35
CLUB: Real Salt Lake
TWITTER: @KyleBeckerman
ASN 100 RANK: 13
Kyle Beckerman is a glue guy—he's not the star of the team but he seems to make everybody around him—especially Michael Bradley—better. Unlike Jermaine Jones, who (rightfully) sees himself as a two-way midfielder, Beckerman understands that, at least on the U.S. national team, it's his job to sit in front of the back line and play safety-first soccer. It may not be sexy, but it tends to produce good results. SEE FULL PROFILE
Alejandro Bedoya
AGE: 27PLACE OF BIRTH New Jersey
POSITION: Midfielder
U.S. CAPS: 26
CLUB: Nantes
TWITTER: @AleBedoya17
ASN 100 RANK: 14
An up-and-comer in a crowded U.S. midfield, Alejandro Bedoya could play a lead role in Brazil or he could end up watching a lot of soccer from the bench. He has a great motor and has improved his game considerably since arriving, and winning a starting job, in France's Ligue 1. Bedoya, Zusi, and Donovan could end up competing with one another for playing time this summer. SEE FULL PROFILE
Nick Rimando
AGE: 34PLACE OF BIRTH California
POSITION: Goalkeeper
U.S. CAPS: 14
TWITTER: @NickRimando
ASN 100 RANK: 15
Real Salt Lake's starting goalkeeper knows he is unlikely to see any action in Brazil, and he is perfectly OK with that. That's just the kind of guy Nick Rimando is. Better yet, if the two keepers ahead of him suddenly became incapacitated, Rimando could step into the starting role and the United States would still feel good about its backstop. That's a true luxury. SEE FULL PROFILE
DaMarcus Beasley
AGE: 31PLACE OF BIRTH Indiana
POSITION: Defender/Midfielder
U.S. CAPS: 145
CLUB: Puebla
TWITTER: @DaMarcusBeasley
ASN 100 RANK: 16
A veteran of three World Cups who reinvented himself in Liga MX, DaMarcus Beasley is the kind of player you want on your team. But where will he play? On the wing, where he can use his speed and skills to open up the field? Or at left back, allowing Fabian Johnson to push forward? SEE FULL PROFILE
Clarence Goodson
AGE: 31PLACE OF BIRTH Virginia
POSITION: Defender
U.S. CAPS: 46
CLUB: San Jose Earthquakes
ASN 100 RANK: 17
Six months ago Clarence Goodson seemed like little more than a safety net—a backup, or perhaps even a backup to the backup—for a backline that was rounding into shape. But Omar Gonzalez's struggles combined with general uncertainty throughout the defensive unit means that the tall, tacit Goodson has a decent shot at starting in Brazil. He's the opposite of flashy, but he rarely makes mistakes. SEE FULL PROFILE
Mix Diskerud
AGE: 23PLACE OF BIRTH Oslo, Norway
POSITION: Midfielder
U.S. CAPS: 17
CLUB: Rosenborg
TWITTER: @MixDiskerud
ASN 100 RANK: 18
The U.S. national team's Mane Man boasts a world class head of hair, a great demeanor, and an inventive style of play that could prove useful if the Yanks need a late goal. Mix Diskerud is unlikely to start in Brazil, but he is very likely to make the final cut. He simply possesses a set of skills that are rare on this squad. SEE FULL PROFILE
Omar Gonzalez
AGE: 25PLACE OF BIRTH Texas
POSITION: Defender
U.S. CAPS: 18
CLUB: Los Angeles Galaxy
TWITTER: @Omar4Gonzalez
ASN 100 RANK: 19
Omar Gonzalez has the pedigree (NCAA champion, MLS Defender of the Year, multiple MLS Cups), the size, and the skills to be a world class central defender. But he also has the tendency to let his guard down at precisely the wrong moment, often to the detriment of his team. He could be a star at this tournament, a goat, or a spectator. It's all up to him. SEE FULL PROFILE
Michael Parkhurst
AGE: 30PLACE OF BIRTH Rhode Island
POSITION: Defender
U.S. CAPS: 25
CLUB: Columbus Crew
TWITTER: @MFParkhurst
ASN 100 RANK: 20
The disarray in the U.S. defense stands to benefit Michael Parkhurst more than anyone. Last year the affable, soft-spoken right back couldn't get off the bench at Augsburg, so he returned to MLS and is playing well for the Columbus Crew. And there's a distinct chance he will be starting at right back against Ghana on June 16. SEE FULL PROFILE
Terrence Boyd
AGE: 23PLACE OF BIRTH Bremen, Germany
POSITION: Defender
U.S. CAPS: 12
CLUB: Rapid Vienna
TWITTER: @TBoyd91
ASN 100 RANK: 21
Terrence Boyd's unbridled love for U.S. soccer is infectious, and he brings a similar energy to his play as well. A budding star in Austria, Boyd has yet to score for the Yanks in 12 appearances. His performances in the send-off series will determine his World Cup fate. SEE FULL PROFILE
Timothy Chandler
AGE: 24PLACE OF BIRTH Frankfurt, Germany
POSITION: Defender
U.S. CAPS: 8
CLUB: Nurnberg
ASN 100 RANK: 24
The fact that Timothy Chandler made this provisional roster tells you everything you need to know about the troubled state of the U.S. defense. Chandler is coming off a meniscus tear, and has only played a handful of minutes since January. He is non-committal about playing for the U.S. And Klinsmann seems to have a real problem with the Nurnburg defender. And yet, here he is. Be afraid, people. SEE FULL PROFILE
John Brooks
AGE: 21PLACE OF BIRTH Berlin, Germany
POSITION: Defender
U.S. CAPS: 3
CLUB: Hertha Berlin
TWITTER: @J_Brooks25
ASN 100 RANK: 25
John Brooks has been criticized for his lack of maturity multiple times this season. He had a clunker in his big audition against Ukraine earlier this year. And yet here he is on the provisional roster. That sound you hear is Cristiano Ronaldo salivating as he thinks about attacking the U.S. back line. SEE FULL PROFILE
Chris Wondolowski
AGE: 31PLACE OF BIRTH California
POSITION: Forward
U.S. CAPS: 19
CLUB: San Jose Earthquakes
ASN 100 RANK: 28
Chris Wondolowski's goal-poaching abilities are undeniable. He has scored 80 goals in 140 matches since joining the San Jose Earthquakes in 2009—the sort of return rate that gets you strong consideration this time of the quadrennial. The fearless, fierce competitor seems to have the inside track for one of the remaining striker spots. SEE FULL PROFILE
Maurice Edu
AGE: 28PLACE OF BIRTH California
POSITION: Midfielder
U.S. CAPS: 46
CLUB: Philadelphia Union
ASN 100 RANK: 30
Maurice Edu found himself in a rotten situation at Stoke City, swallowed his pride and returned to MLS, took on a leadership role with the Philadelphia Union, and now seems on the verge of making his second World Cup roster. It's hard not to root for a guy who wears his heart on his sleeve, and it will be hard for Klinsmann to look past a player with Edu's versatility. SEE FULL PROFILE
Brad Evans
AGE: 29PLACE OF BIRTH Arizona
POSITION: Defender/Midfielder
U.S. CAPS: 17
CLUB: Seattle Sounders
ASN 100 RANK: 31
Brad Evans deserves an American Outlaws-led slow clap for the job he did at right back during World Cup qualifying. Asked to line up at right back, he held his own—for the most part—and helped his country reach its goal. But is he really in the running for the job at the next level? Apparently so. SEE FULL PROFILE
Brad Davis
AGE: 32PLACE OF BIRTH Missouri
POSITION: Midfielder
U.S. CAPS: 14
CLUB: Houston Dynamo
ASN 100 RANK: 33
Brad Davis is the second-oldest field player on this provisional roster, but his inclusion has little to do with age or experience. It's all about his left foot, a sophisticated and useful instrument that is in short supply on this team. Late crosses, late corners, late spot kicks—that will be his sole function on this unit. SEE FULL PROFILE
Joe Corona
AGE: 23PLACE OF BIRTH Los Angeles
POSITION: Midfielder
U.S. CAPS: 11
CLUB: Club Tijuana
ASN 100 RANK: 35
The biggest surprise on this list. Joe Corona has the potential to add some much-needed flair to the American midfield. The creative, attacking-minded player's game is built around excellent technical skills and vision. The Southern California native whose mother and father hail from Mexico and El Salvador, respectively, acquitted himself well during the American's unsuccessful 2012 Olympic qualifying campaign, tallying four goals and showing flashes of brilliance. SEE FULL PROFILE
DeAndre Yedlin
AGE: 20PLACE OF BIRTH Washington
POSITION: Defender
U.S. CAPS: 2
CLUB: Seattle Sounders
ASN 100 RANK: 39
The future is bright for 20-year-old DeAndre Yedlin, and if the World Cup were being held in 2015 you could see him clawing his way onto the squad. Having said that, it's hard to imagine him making the final 23. His time will come—in 2016. SEE FULL PROFILE
Julian Green
AGE: 18PLACE OF BIRTH Florida
POSITION: Midfielder
U.S. CAPS: 1
CLUB: Bayern Munich
ASN 100 RANK: 45
Was he promised a roster spot? Does it matter? Julian Green has talent to burn, and given three-plus weeks to practice alongside Dempsey and Bradley and Donovan, he just might prove that he's ready to show the world what he can do. Even if he doesn't play a minute, the experience will help Green for 2018, 2022, and beyond. SEE FULL PROFILE OK, what do you think of this provisional roster? Can it survive Group G? Can it make a run in Brazil? Got a take on the next seven guys to get cut? Tell us below. John Godfrey is the founder and editor in chief of American Soccer Now.
