Not a likely lineup, but a mix of established talent (Howard, Bradley, Dempsey), workhorses (Gonzalez, Beasley, Zusi, Wondo) and new kids who could come up huge (Yedlin, Diskerud, Johannsson).
The Scandinavians (Mix and Johannsson) get the start because they could be a huge difference maker for this team, this World Cup and next. They may not make the start against Portugal or Germany, but developing their chemistry can only be a good thing.
Dempsey and Howard are given, and Bradley might as well be too.
Wondo/Zusi are versitile, solid holding and service, while being a real threat on goal.
Diandre Yedlin is scary fast, something our otherwise stone-footed back line needs.
I have a soft spot for DeMarcus Beasley ever since the Mexico game in Azteca.
Gonzalez and Besler are there because they are our best options. I think this may be the weakest class of backs the US has had in a while. Luckily we've got one of the best keepers in the world, backed up by two guys who would be starting keeper anywhere other than here ... or Italy.
Gonzalez and Besler are okay,
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Jim O'Leary
almost 10 years
Not a likely lineup, but a mix of established talent (Howard, Bradley, Dempsey), workhorses (Gonzalez, Beasley, Zusi, Wondo) and new kids who could come up huge (Yedlin, Diskerud, Johannsson). The Scandinavians (Mix and Johannsson) get the start because they could be a huge difference maker for this team, this World Cup and next. They may not make the start against Portugal or Germany, but developing their chemistry can only be a good thing. Dempsey and Howard are given, and Bradley might as well be too. Wondo/Zusi are versitile, solid holding and service, while being a real threat on goal. Diandre Yedlin is scary fast, something our otherwise stone-footed back line needs. I have a soft spot for DeMarcus Beasley ever since the Mexico game in Azteca. Gonzalez and Besler are there because they are our best options. I think this may be the weakest class of backs the US has had in a while. Luckily we've got one of the best keepers in the world, backed up by two guys who would be starting keeper anywhere other than here ... or Italy. Gonzalez and Besler are okay,