The Starting XI
This lineup is from...
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Dan Levy
over 12 years
This feels like a defensive lineup, but I would play it more like a 4-3-3 with Dempsey and Donovan given free reign to run wherever they need to go. Three defensive midfielders would also allow Bradley to push up and control play more without having to worry about staying home in front of the back four. This would also allow Johnson and Cherundolo to make runs up the wings, knowing they will have solid coverage. Gomez has proven he deserves to start. I know Altidore has played well for club, but it hasn't translated enough under Klinsmann. The general lack of depth up front is still an issue. If more offense is needed, Edu or Williams could be swapped out for another forward (Altidore, Boyd) or attacking midfielder to add pace (Shea). I am not as big a fan of Jermaine Jones as our national team coach, clearly. Cameron deserves to start on the back line. The Timmy Chandler situation will loom over this team unless Cherundolo can stay healthy for another two years. Tim Howard is the biggest no-brainer in the world.