USA Headlines Group A - Stars And Standouts

Here is all you need to know about the USA heading their first match of the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup versus Honduras...

2013 Gold Cup Champions (www.mlssoccer.com)

Starting 11 Standouts

Michael Bradley is the team's main cog, dictating the flow from the center of the pitch.  For success this tournament he will need to show a mix of offensive distance shooting power and the ability to get stuck in when called upon defensively.  The midfield maestro can take over matches, spraying passes around the pitch like Red Cross relief blankets during a natural disaster.  The first match against Honduras will be his 100th cap.

We Miss His Flow (www.swatti.com)

Clint Dempsey is the nation's best scoring threat.  His primal scoring instincts will be on full display as the fan favorite looks to shake of his reason suspense and refocus on finding the net.  The rest is self explanatory as he is one of the most well-known players in the side. 

Goodie But Oldie (www.thedenimkit.com)

Graham "Zeus" Zusi will be deploying as a supporting player for Dempsey and also crushes the headband game.  If well designed his positioning in the formation can give him chances aplenty to give service to the frontline.  His set pieces also separate him from those whose other believe could challenge for his starting spot. 

The Power of Zeus (www.ussoccerplayers.com)

Fabian Johnson is fast becoming a cornerstone of United States football.  Pace, confidence on the ball and getting forward are all skills his performances will be highlighted by.  Playing in Germany has strengthened his game as he has become a mainstay in his club's first team.    

For Club & Country (www.ligainsider.de) 

From Fringe To Forefront

Chris Wondolowski is a name fans go to know for the wrong reason during the 2014 World Cup. However, what fans don't know is he has become of the most prolific scorers in MLS history. Wondo will provide goals this tournament, thats a fact not a prediction.  He gives Jürgen Klinsmann depth off the bench and the ability to shift the formation as he is a capable target forward.

(Photo Credit Sean Sullivan via mlssoccer.com)

Gyasi Zardes is becoming a constant in the United States roster.  Highlighted in my earlier article, pace and determination are two of his many weapons.  Zardes has a nose for goal and can be deployed in a plethora of positions.  I believe he is most dangerous as a forward but equally as useful as a wide midfielder.  By the end of the tournament fans will be lining up to purchase his jersey.  

(www.goal.com)

Tim Ream has been on mine and Klinsmann's radar for awhile.  The defender who plays for Bolton of the English Championship has overcome injuries and now is at the peak of his career.  It is not certain he will start but appearing as substitute he gives experience to the backline.  Tackling and ariel ability are two elements his game contains, essential in Gold Cup matches.  

Bolton Player of the Year (http://www.mlssoccer.com)