USA Team for South Africa 2010…Maybe

December 31, 2009

Let’s assume that Bob Bradley will select three goalkeepers, eight defenders, eight midfielders, and four strikers to go to the World Cup Finals in South Africa this coming Summer.

Given that the above is true, this is who I think should be selected at this moment:

GOALKEEPERS:

Howard, Guzan, and Seitz - Howard is arguably the best we’ve got, Guzan is an ample backup and heir apparent the no. 1 shirt after Howard retires. Seitz is one for the future, and a fine young goalkeeper in his own right.

DEFENDERS:

Onyewu, Bocanegra, DeMerit, Marshall, Goodson, Spector, Cherundolo, Whitbread – Most of this is self-explanatory. I choose Whitbread because I think he’s good and we don’t have much to choose from at Left Back after Bocanegra. Goodson and Marshall as cover for Gooch and DeMerit. Spector with Cherundolo as cover at Right Back.

MIDFIELD:

Bradley, Edu, Feilhaber, Clark, Donovan, Rogers, Holden, Adu – Bradley as attacking mid with Feilhaber as cover. Edu at d-mid with Clark as cover…Clark can also play Right Back. Donovan at Right Mid, with Clark, Dempsey, and Adu as cover. Holden at Left Mid with Rogers, Dempsey and Adu as cover.

FORWARDS:

Altidore, Dempsey, Cooper Jr., Findley – Jozy and Findley as strikers, Coop as traditional target Center Forward, and Findley to attack with pace as a striker.

I know what you’re thinking…but we could do worse. Far worse.

A lot of people may say what about Torres and Castillo. Both of these gentlemen have only seen spot duty for the Yanks. Perhaps they will play their way in…perhaps not.

Regarding Freddy Adu: I know he’s not getting games at his club. I know many think he is a complete disappointment. So my reasoning is: He would be strongly motivated to silence his critics and he is versatile. He plays at striker, center forward, center attacking mid, and left and right wings.

For that matter, I don’t consider DaMarcus Beasley out of the picture either. Walter Smith’s endorsement is no small thing. If Smith thinks DMB can make it back into the USA national picture – then maybe it’s not the craziest idea.