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, with 6 international appearances. Nick has had a steady grip on the third goalie slot on the depth chart under Klinsmann. The 34 year old looks to be the likely number 1 choice between the pipes for this tournament as he is the most trusted keeper so far. Sean Johnson and Bill Hamid are young and inexperienced senior national team members but talented. Respectively with Chicago Fire and DC United both have controlled starting roles. Hamid's DC United has struggled this season with a record of 2-14-3. However, he is not the cause for there run of unlucky results he has risen to the occasion many times making phenomenal saves. Johnson has started all 14 matches he has been able to suite up for season. After taking time off for the USA Olympic Qualifying, he has returned to his starting role. At 6'3 and the age of 24 he seems to be a candidate for many international call ups in the years to come.
Predicted Starter - Nick Rimando
Klinsmann may experiment with all of the keepers over the course of the tournament but for now Rimando is the most reliable choice in net. This could be his chance to solidify himself as a challenger to Brad Guzan for the back-up keeper job behind Tim Howard.
Defenders
Corey Ashe (Houston Dynamo), DaMarcus Beasley (Puebla), Tony Beltran (Real Salt Lake), Edgar Castillo (Club Tijuana), Clarence Goodson (Brondby), Oguchi Onyewu (Malaga), Michael Orozco Fiscal (Puebla), Michael Parkhurst (FC Augsburg)
The plethora of defenders chosen for the Gold Cup roster is headlined by Oguchi "Oguchi Man" Onyewu who will be making his return to the Red, White and Blues. He has not featured for them since June 2012. A veteran of 2 World Cups (2006, 2010) Onyewu was one of Bob Bradley's go to choices for centerback. After injuries and losing a consist starting spot for his club teams the result was his dropping from the national team. Clarence Goodson and Michael Parkhurst has all flirted with appearances under Klinsmann. Both are capable players with experience (46), caps combined, but have never proven worthy of a starting XI spot. Corey Ashe, Micharl Orozco Fiscal and Tony Beltran are all newcomers to Uncle Sam's Army. Ashe (0), Beltran (1) and Fiscal (6) all seem to be roster fillers as the usual defenders have earned themselves a break from the heavy WCQ schedule. Edgar Castillo and DeMarcus Beasley both appeared during the resent WCQ fixtures and will be called upon to help secure a Gold Cup title.
Predicted Starts - DaMarcus Beasley, Oguchi Onyewu, Clarence Goodson, Edgar Castillo
As of late the formation of choice has seen a constant of 4 defenders. Beasley and Oguci "Oguci Man" Onyewu bring needed veteran experience and leadership to the back 4 while Goodson and Castillo can use the opportunity to fight for roster spots in the future. Castillo has looked shaky at times when futured during WCQ but has the potential to earn a starting XI spot. Confidence is needed to be gained by him if he hopes to win the spot as a starting outside back. Goodson, 31, has made 35 appearances and is familiar with Onyewu's physical playing style. The two seem the likely choice for the central roles
Midfielders
Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Alejandro Bedoya (Helsinborg), Joe Corona (Club Tijuana), Mix Diskerud (Rosenborg), Joshua Gatt (Molde FK), Stuart Holden (Bolton), Jose Torres (Tigres)
Two words summary the squad of midfielders: hungry and ready. With Kyle Beckerman being the oldest (31), this area is the most interesting part of the teamsheet. Beckerman and Jose Torres (25) are both defensive midfielders. Beckerman (25 caps) and Torres (20 caps) will be asked to play in the deeper roles usually filled by Michael "The Maestro" Bradley and Jermaine Jones. Beckerman brings physical play as well as the disciple to sit in along side Torres and control the flow of the midfield. Mix Diskerud who plays for Rosenborg, a Norwegian football club, made 24 appearances for them while scoring 3 goals in 2012. With only 3 caps to his name, he is hungry to make himself known to Klinsmann. Alejandro Bedoya, Joe Corona and Joshua Gatt are wide midfielders. Gatt, 21 years old, have been given a golden chance to catch fans eyes. The speedster who plays his club football for Molde FK in Sweden. He is versitle, playing as a forward or an outside midfielder. He reminds me of a young Landon Donovan, not as skilled but with more pace. Stuart Holden, 27, will make his long awaited return to the starting XI. After suffering an injury plagued past few years, he is finally healthy. Holden is a good all around midfielder who can shoot, distribute and defend with vigor. He was a key player in securing a 7th place finish in the EPL for Bolton FC in the 2010-2011 season and looks to start where he left off.
Predicted Starters - Kyle Beckerman, Jose Torres, Jousha Gatt, Joe Corona
If Klinsmann plays with 4 midfielders these seem to be the guys. With Beckerman and Torres as defensive central midfielders, Corona and Gatt will operate the outside roles. Stuart Holden and Mix Diskerud will see time, possibly inside as attacking players or on the outside as well.
Forwards
Will Bruin (Houston Dynamo), Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy), Herculez Gomez (Club Tijuana), Jack McInerney (Philadelphia Union), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)
All the talk seems to be centered around "Mr. USA" Landon Donovan. He has been the face of USA soccer since the 2002 World Cup and finally has earned a call up after his leave of absence, per request. Donovan will be he player looked to for goals and leadership. With 49 goals and 48 assists he is the leading scorer and assist getter in USA international history. The success of the squad during the tournament will be as a successful as he plays. Other names such as Herculez Gomez and Chris Wondolowski have experience on the national team. Gomez appeared in the 2010 World Cup and Wondolowski was the MVP and Golden Boot winner of the MLS in 2012. Joining them are young guns Will Bruin and Jack McInerney. Bruin is a physical target forward type who can play with his back to goal well. However, Jack McInerney is the guy to watch. With 10 goals, tied for the lead in MLS, he could be a new house hold name. I'm excited to see how he does as he has shown promise domestically.
Predicted Starters - Landon Donovan, Chris Wondolowski
If Klinsmann plays a 4-4-2 formation look for Wondolowski to play ahead of Donovan, with the LA Galaxy marksmen as a withdrawn forward. Wondolowski is good in the air as well as in holding up possession. He pairs well with Landon who likes to play under a central forward giving him room to be creative. McInerney, Bruin and Gomez surely will all get time but I believe McInerey is the likeliest to steal a starting XI spot a game or two into the tournament. The starlet has a nose for goal and has been in great form for the Philadelphia Union of the MLS.
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