Those three, and the remaining players will be trying to impress Bradley ahead of World Cup qualifying that begins Feb. 11 against Mexico in Columbus. Prior to that, the U.S. has a friendly against Sweden (Jan. 24 in Carson), which will feature hopefuls from the camp. Here are a few players who have a chance to make an impact and be involved in the hexagonal.
Marvell Wynne: Toronto F.C.'s speedy left-back is still unpolished, but with that slot up for grabs on the National Team, his speed and power warrant a long look. What...you're comfortable with Heath Pearce?
Chad Marshall: After a series of concussions derailed what appeared to be a promising career, Marshall returned with a vengeance last year, earning MLS Defender of the Year honors while leading the Crew to the title. The U.S. is likely set in central defense with Carlos Bocanegra and Oguchi Onyewu, but Marshall's size and aerial ability will put him in the conversation for South Africa if he impressed in camp.
Stuart Holden: The talented Houston Dynamo midfielder might get the start against Sweden in the Landon Donovan playmaker role in Bradley's preferred 4-5-1. Holden was one of the brighter performers for the Olympic side and those of us who've watched recent U.S. teams struggle to create scoring opportunities from open play are dying to see someone step up and provide better service.
Charlie Davies: Just give the guy a chance and he'll score. He doesn't look especially pretty out there, but is pace is phenominal and his scoring record with Hammarby in the Swedish League is one of the best of any U.S. striker, regardless of where they ply their trade. Sure, Ching can hold the ball, but he's no Brian McBride, as in, he doesn't put the ball in the net enough. Kenny Cooper is a fine player, too, more skilled with hsi feet than he's given credit for, but I think the international game is a bit too swift for him. Not so for Davies.
Full list of the players called into camp:
GOALKEEPERS (4): Jon Busch (Chicago Fire), Will Hesmer (Columbus Crew), Troy Perkins (Valerenga IF), Matt Pickens (out of contract).
DEFENDERS (8): Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Danny Califf (FC Midtjylland), Sean Franklin (Los Angeles Galaxy), Cory Gibbs (Colorado Rapids), Clarence Goodson (IK Start), Chad Marshall (Columbus Crew), Chris Wingert (Real Salt Lake), Marvell Wynne (Toronto FC).
MIDFIELDERS (9): Geoff Cameron (Houston Dynamo), Brian Carroll (Columbus Crew), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Eddie Gaven (Columbus Crew), Stuart Holden (Houston Dynamo), Jack Jewsbury (Kansas City Wizards), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew), John Thorrington (Chicago Fire).
FORWARDS (4): Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Kenny Cooper (FC Dallas), Charlie Davies (Hammarby IF), Chris Rolfe (Chicago Fire).
Posts
