January Training Camp
Magee, Yedlin, Gil Highlight Talent-Laden U.S. Roster
Jurgen Klinsmann named 26 players to the U.S. national team training camp to be held in Los Angeles and Brazil. Amid the familiar names are some fresh faces hoping to make the World Cup team.
BY
John Godfrey
Posted
January 03, 2014
12:14 PM
IS THIS THE STRONGEST January training camp roster ever? Probably.
Matt Besler, Landon Donovan, Mix Diskerud, Omar Gonzalez, and Graham Zusi are the biggest names to make the squad, but the supporting cast is strong too. Major League Soccer MVP Mike Magee received a call and now has a chance to earn his first U.S. cap. Fringe players like Dax McCarty and Benny Feilhaber also earned a spot on the team, and will be eager to make a strong impression.
That said, it's the young guns on the roster who provide the most intrigue. Seattle fullback DeAndre Yedlin is one of the more exciting talents in MLS, and he plays a position, right back, that is an area of need for the United States. Chris Klute and Shane O'Neill are both fascinating prospects, as is Real Salt Lake midfielder Luis Gil.
On an interesting aside, Juan Agudelo's name originally appeared on the roster on the U.S. Soccer website, but was subsequently removed. The New England Revolution forward has hinted at moving to Europe, so don't be surprised if there is an announcement from him very soon.
Here's the complete roster.
GOALKEEPERS: Tally Hall (Houston Dynamo), Bill Hamid (D.C. United), Sean Johnson (Chicago Fire), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)
DEFENDERS: Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), Brad Evans (Seattle Sounders FC), Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy), Clarence Goodson (San Jose Earthquakes), Michael Harrington (Portland Timbers), Chris Klute (Colorado Rapids), Chance Myers (Sporting Kansas City), Shane O'Neill (Colorado Rapids), Seth Sinovic (Sporting Kansas City), DeAndre Yedlin (Seattle Sounders FC)
MIDFIELDERS: Eric Alexander (New York Red Bulls), Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo), Mix Diskerud (Rosenborg), Benny Feilhaber (Sporting Kansas City), Luis Gil (Real Salt Lake), Dax McCarty (New York Red Bulls), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City)
FORWARDS: Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy), Eddie Johnson (D.C. United), Mike Magee (Chicago Fire), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)
And here's a video interview with Klinsmann discussing the roster.
Be sure to create your preferred Starting XI with our interactive tool. Everyone who creates a lineup by 4pm Eastern today will be entered into a drawing for a free American Soccer Now T-Shirt.
Who are you most excited about on this roster? Who was snubbed? Who should start against South Korea on February 1?
January 03, 2014
12:14 PM