If it ain't broke don't fix it. Here at Upper 90 we're of the mindset that Klinsmann will likely opt to favor an approach that has proven successful and comfortable recently, especially given how heavily recent international play influenced his roster choice (specifically referring to Jozy Altidore). While we'd love to see Donovan line up on his more natural right side, Williams has performed admirably over there and playing on the left should lend Landon more shooting freedom, assuming, of course, Donovan is cleared to play.
It's hard to imagine Bocanegra and Cherundolo not claiming spots comfortably given their international experience, while Cameron and Johnson will probably claim the final two back line spots due to their recent form. While Johnson may not be most natural as a left wing-back, the US back line has typically proven more defensively gifted and has rarely aimed to capitalize on forward movement out of the back.
Jones and Bradley should be relatively uncontested in locking up the center mid spots with the exception of Klinsmann possibly opting drop Bradley into a deeper holding role and let Zusi start for Jones, favoring an additional attacking architect over an additional ball winner.
We would be hard pressed to imagine Dempsey not finding himself in a setup role, alloted significant creative freedom, as well as Herculez providing the target up front given his recent form.
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Upper 90
about 12 years
If it ain't broke don't fix it. Here at Upper 90 we're of the mindset that Klinsmann will likely opt to favor an approach that has proven successful and comfortable recently, especially given how heavily recent international play influenced his roster choice (specifically referring to Jozy Altidore). While we'd love to see Donovan line up on his more natural right side, Williams has performed admirably over there and playing on the left should lend Landon more shooting freedom, assuming, of course, Donovan is cleared to play. It's hard to imagine Bocanegra and Cherundolo not claiming spots comfortably given their international experience, while Cameron and Johnson will probably claim the final two back line spots due to their recent form. While Johnson may not be most natural as a left wing-back, the US back line has typically proven more defensively gifted and has rarely aimed to capitalize on forward movement out of the back. Jones and Bradley should be relatively uncontested in locking up the center mid spots with the exception of Klinsmann possibly opting drop Bradley into a deeper holding role and let Zusi start for Jones, favoring an additional attacking architect over an additional ball winner. We would be hard pressed to imagine Dempsey not finding himself in a setup role, alloted significant creative freedom, as well as Herculez providing the target up front given his recent form.