Bob Bradley will be in command.
Coach Sweats himself will announce the U.S. roster for the August 10th friendly against Brazil at the Meadowlands on either Monday or Tuesday of next week.
Here’s our guess (after our “let’s look to the future guess“) of players representing the United States. All rumors and reports are suggesting a veteran squad to be selected by Double-B.
G: Tim Howard, Brad Guzan, Troy Perkins
Other guesses: Marcus Hahnemann, Chris Seitz, Nick Rimando
The skinny: Howard is gearing up for a battle with Jan Mucha for the starting spot at Everton; the veteran and challenger are currently getting ready to throwdown at Everton’s Finch Farm training pitch.
This may be a prelude to a move for Howard or might just be a Ben Foster-son-in-waiting move. Howard is also from New Jersey so there is that side of the coin.
Will Guzan be called in? Not sure about that. This is the season that the heir apparent needs to step it up in the Premiership to get considered contender. We say Hahnemann likely stays Brit side instead of Guzan.
Trusty Bob Bradley camper Troy Perkins rounds out the keepers–though you might see a nod for Chris Seitz hailing from the Union nearby.
DEF: Jay DeMerit, Carlos Bocanegra, Jonathan Bornstein, Jonathan Spector, Chad Marshall, Heath Pearce, Omar Gonzalez, Kevin Alston
Other guesses: Steve Cherundolo, Oguchi Onyewu, Sean Franklin, Eric Lichaj
The skinny: TSG has that sneaking suspicion that Jay DeMerit is coming back stateside, despite the Chicago Fire move today. He’ll be there either way.
How can Captain Carlos–new club or not–not get a curtain call against Brazil. The warrior soldiers for one more.
Of the two TSG sentimental favorites, Eric Lichaj might get a sniff. Does Sean Franklin? Boy, we hope so.
MID: Landon Donovan, Stu Holden, Jose Torres, Maurice Edu, Alejandro Bedoya, Robbie Rogers, Dax McCarthy
Other guesses: Clint Dempsey, DaMarcus Beasley, Jermaine Jones, Sacha Kljestan, Ricardo Clark
The skinny: We all know Clint Dempsey needs some rest so he stays across the pond.
Also conspicuous by his absence is Benny Feilhaber. With AGF Aarhus looking to sell the midfielder, not a good time to pick up a ding. That said, will DaMarcus Beasley be there? We’re betting “no” as well.
Despite meriting a call-up, we think Bob Bradley leaves the progress of Sacha Kljestan at Anderlecht unimpeded eschewing an excursion back to the States for the SoCal midfielder.
Similarly, Jermaine Jones, who uberfans are pining to see, probably should right his club career first before getting called in.
Ricardo Clark doesn’t want to pull a hamstring from too much time on the sideline; he stays in the land of Dunkel. Also, because well, chance he gets booed? (Not a real reason, but something to think about).
STR: Robbie Findley, Edson Buddle, Herculez Gomez, Brian Ching
Other guesses: Jozy Altidore, Charlie Davies
The skinny: Like Feilhaber, the last thing that Altidore needs is an injury. Very important that the hope of America at striker settles his club situation.
That said, the youngster hails from New Jersey and played for Red Bull. So could go either way on this one.
Charlie Davies, like Onyewu, was hurt on international duty. Politics do matter and I think Charlie Davies–if healthy–is making it to the Poland friendly, maybe not this one.
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Other notes:
• Freddie Ljundberg, taking his game, his ref squabbling and his assortment of fashionable scarves with him to the Chicago Fire. Not sure about that move for the Fire. Anyone?
• Freddy Adu didn’t hang on in the Alps after a trial at Swiss club Sion. Yikes! Back to Benfica, but then where for Adu?
• Friend of TSG Kyle Martino made his switch from ESPN to Fox Soccer permanent. He’ll host a show that we’ll hear the details about shortly.
• Congrats to the USA Milk Cup squad for getting it done.
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