23 players have been named to the squad for Wednesday's friendly against Mexico (8pm ET - ESPN2), US National Team coach Jurgen Klinsmann announced on Sunday. "We're excited about the opportunity to bring this group together and challenge Mexico for a win," Klinsmann said in a press statement. "For every game, we always look at who is in the best form, who is fit and who is ready to go. We have a lot of veteran players and also some new, hungry guys who deserve a chance. Every player in the pool looks forward to an amazing opportunity like this, the chance to take on Mexico in such an historic stadium like Estadio Azteca. With the World Cup qualifiers coming up next month, we can start preparing these players mentally and physically for Jamaica."
GK: Tim Howard (Everton), Sean Johnson (Chicago Fire), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)
DEF: Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), Steven Beithasour (San Jose Earthquakes), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City), Edgar Castillo (Club Tijuana), Michael Orozco Fiscal (San Luis), Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim)
MID: DaMarcus Beasley (Puebla), Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Joe Corona (Club Tijuana), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Jermaine Jones (Schalke 04), Jose Torres (Pachuca), Brek Shea (FC Dallas), Danny Williams (Hoffenheim), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City)
FOR: Terrence Boyd (Rapid Vienna), Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy), Herculez Gomez (Santos), Alan Gordon (San Jose Earthquakes), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)
So basically, we’re sending a mixed group to the Azteca ostensibly to win but really to experience getting beaten – perhaps badly. I know there are players who can’t or shouldn’t be called in due to early season club responsibilities but I’m of the opinion that we should send no less than our absolute best to matches at the Azteca – period. With that said, best of luck US.
I think the only real weak spot in this team is that the back line have not played together…ever…at all. Other than that, It has some real potential, which is what JK is looking for. Whether or not that potential is realized is up to the players.Either way it will be a good learning experience. No other game will put you in with a formidable but familiar foe, and the cauldron that is Azteca, in the summer, in the heat and altitude and 100,000+ fans.
We’re qualifying for WC right now. 1st teamers need time together to play with each other especially those JK will use as starters that haven’t been in camp or playing as much as Landon or Clint.