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The USA will enter the 2013 Gold Cup with a roster composed of youngsters, journeymen and a few veterans.  Uncle Sam's Army will face Belize in there first match which will take place on July 9th in Portland, Oregon.  The Gold Cup will serve as tryout as USA boss Jurgen Klinsmann looks for the possible players to earn a spot for the rest of World Cup Qualifying and down the road in the 2014 World Cup.  In past years players have showcased there talents in this tournament, mostly being players whom may not normally get a shot on the international level.  This years 23 man roster is composed of what I feel is a solid yet unproven, deep pool of potential and talent.  The USA's outlook, as usual, will be to win.  I believe our chances are high. Roster Breakdown Goalkeepers Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake), Sean Johnson (Chicago Fire), Bill Hamid (DC United) This year, Klinsmann has named 3 goals to the 23 man roster.  Nick Rimando has the most experience out of the trio

The USA is in good shape, heading full steam ahead into the World Cup Qualifying break.  Sitting on top of the final hexagonal group with a record of 4-1-1.  Taking all 3 points from Panama, Jamaica and Honduras from the last 3 games they look poised to complete a successful qualification for Brazil 2014.   Reflecting  On The Attacking  play of the Red, White and Blues so far, it has been headlined by the play of  Jozy Altidore.   He has become an alpha male on the frontline of the USA attack.  Tallying goals against Panama, Jamaica and Honduras as well as being able to control the pace of the attacks by holding the ball well under pressure.  His willingness the play physically was a reoccurring trait, something not seen in strikers in the past.  As well as him, the introduction to international football  for   Graham Zusi has started the new tread of wide play.  The Sporting Kansas City standout has provided himself worthy of earning a starting XI spot.  He ability to play quali

Uncle Sam's Army looks to move into command of the final, hexagonal World Cup Qualifying group.  As the famous song by Queen and Davie Bowie is titled "Under Pressure," the USA is now moving into the crucial stage of making a World Cup push and the pressure is  now  on. Tuesday's matchup with Honduras is a must win.  Taking of all 3 points will push the Red, White and Blues to a record of 4-1-1.  Due to the importance of the match, I believe there are 4 keys for the USA to cover. The Rematch  versus Honduras will be a different scenario than the first game.  The USA was out played in February when they visited Honduras. Honduras controlled possession (57%) as well as having most of the threatening chances on goal. The USA has been able to overcome these issues in the previous matches versus Panama and Jamaica.  Not only have they dominated possession lately but have become better than converting chances.  The formula to achieve a win Wednesday night in Salt Lake

Saturday's Matches Portland Timbers over FC Dallas Toronto FC over DC United Montreal Impact over Columbus Crew Colorado Rapids drawing San Jose Earthquake New England Revolution over Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Last night Uncle Sam's Army performed superb.  Jurgen Klinsmann's decision to replace the suspended Graham Zusi with hometown favorite Eddie Johnson paid off well.  In fact Eddie Johnson and Geoff Cameron, playing in place of Jermaine Jones, both put in very good showings.  The rest of the starting XI, playing in a 4-2-3-1 formation, was as expected featuring Tim Howard, DeMarcus Beasley, Omar Gonzalez, Matt Besler and Brad Evans in defense.  The midfield was composed Michael "The Maestro" Bradley, Geoff Cameron, Clint Dempsey, Eddie Johnson and Fabian Johnson with Jozy Altidore as the lone striker.   1st Half  Play began with the USA controlling the time of possession, flow and majority of attempts in the attacking third.  Around the 15th minute mark Clint Dempsey volleyed a stellar cross from DeMarcus Beasley well over the Panama goal.  The move was started around the midfield, with Beasley doing well to get to the deep ball on the left flank.  The Red, Whi

3 Keys For The USA Tonight Versus Panama 1. The Ballad of Eddie Johnson Eddie Johnson has struggled to find a constant level of good form on the international scene since making his first appearance in 2004.  He has been given multiple opportunities over the past 9 years to seal a starting spot.  This match could be a possible rebirth for the 29 year old.  The match will be played at CenturyLink Field in Seattle.  This is the home field of Johnson's club team, Seattle Sounders FC.  In a qualifying matching against Panama, in 2004, he recorded a hat trick as a substitute.  The USA ended up victorious by a scored of 6-0.   All the stars are aligned for Johnson to have a significant impact on tonight's game.   He may not start but chances are he will be used as a substitute.  He appeared in the 83rd minute as a replacement for Jozy Altidore against Jamaica last week and also as a sub in the 56th minute against Germany.  With the absence of Graham Zusi, he has move up on t

Goalie: Tim Howard – 34 - Everton F.C. (England – EPL) Howard has been the constant keeper when healthy since 2007.  He is the best choice for Klinsmenn’s starting XI.  However, the growth of his backup and fellow EPL player, Brad Guzan, has made the battle for the starting job very close as of late.  Howard has the experience with a total of 72 international appearances.  On the domestic level Howard is coming off of another great season with Everton F.C., finishing 6th in the Barclay’s English Premier League.   Howard’s ability to tutor his young backline will be an interesting story to see unfold.  I can say confidently though, Tim Howard is and will be the go to guy in net for big World Cup Qualifiers matches this summer. Defense:  DeMarcus Beasley – 31 - Puebla (Mexico – Liga MX) DeMarcus Beasley, like Time Howard, has been on and off the US roster since 2001.  He is reliable, has much needed experience and as of late reclaimed his stake in Jürgen Klin

As I reported yesterday, Maarten Stekelenburg had been rumored to sign with EPL side Fulham.   Today Stekelenburg signed a 4-year deal with Fulham.   Read more here.

Maarten Stekelenburg - AS Roma International Caps - 54 Stekelenburg was dubbed the replacement for longtime international shot stopper Edwin van der Sar.  His transfer to AS Roma from Ajax in 2011 seemed to be the next positive step in his career.  However, after an injury plagued 2 seasons with the Serie A side, the time maybe right for a move.  Coupled with him losing the starting role to Mauro Goicoechea, it would seem logical for him to seek playing time elsewhere. Standing at 6'5, Stekelenburg has proven on the international stage he can compete with the best.  His positioning is questionable at times but his physical attributes make up for his occasional mistakes.  Regardless of his club set backs, he has retained the role starting on the international level.    Transfer Possibilities:  Fulham , PSV, Valenica Prediction:  Fulham  - Boss Martin Jol was quoted by De Telegraaf, " We'll need a new one for next season," all signs point to Stekelenbu