The US faces El Salvador tonight in a make or break game for most players. The Honduras match was marred by an early red card and most of the US players on the roster want to erase that memory and show their worth. For a majority of these players the ship has already sailed, but for the select few that are holding on this game is very important. There is plenty of competition on this roster and it will be interesting to see who stays in contention for a final roster spot in South Africa.
Here is the US roster:
Goalkeepers: Troy Perkins (D.C. United) and Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)
Defenders: Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA); Clarence Goodson (IK Start, Norway); Chad Marshall (Columbus Crew); Heath Pearce (FC Dallas) and Marvell Wynne (Toronto FC)
Midfielders: Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake); Geoff Cameron (Houston Dynamo); Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo); Brad Evans (Seattle Sounders); Eddie Gaven (Columbus Crew); Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA); Dax McCarty (FC Dallas); Chris Pontius (D.C. United) and Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew)
Attackers: Conor Casey (Colorado Rapids); Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo); Jeff Cunningham (FC Dallas) and Robbie Findley (Real Salt Lake)
I think Bornstein has already proved his worth. He might not be in the final roster but he has less to prove than most of these players. The same can be said about Troy Perkins. On the other hand, Brad Davis, Eddie Gaven, Chris Pontious, Geoff Cameron, and Brad Evans can’t really be seen as serious contenders.
Players to watch:
Conor Casey v. Brian Ching: Although Bradley could take both, if he had to choose one, the El Salvador game will show who is higher in the pecking order. Casey brings more skill and strength than Ching. Ching is a work horse and one of Bradley’s guys.
Kljestan v. Dax v. Beckerman: Who will come out this match as a contender? At one point, Kljestan looked like a potential starter in South Africa. As of late, all the skill and imagination has vanished and Kljestan is a shell of himself. Beckerman is proving that he is serviceable but, absent a breakthrough performance, it might be too little to get him into contention. Dax is the latest bright spot in the national team picture. The FC Dallas midfielder is dynamic but he has to show it wasn’t a flash in the pan.
Robbie Rogers v. Robbie Rogers: Robbie Rogers will only have himself to blame if he doesn’t make the roster for South Africa. Rogers has moments of brilliance followed by moments of utter amateurism. Right now he has little to no competition for the left mid spot and needs to take hold of this opportunity. He needs to show that he is a good option not just the only option.
Clarence Goodson v. Chad Marshall: Both have had their fair share of good and bad performances. With Demerit, Onyewu, and Bocanegra as the first choice center backs, I don’t see Bradley taking both these players. Personally, I can’t separate the two so it will be interesting to see who plays better against El Salvador.
Robbie Findely v. Jeff Cunningham: I think Bob Bradley breathed a sigh of relief when he found out Davies could be ready for the World Cup. Neither Findley nor Cunningham looked like a suitable replacement. Both have speed but neither is as dynamic as Davies. There are no guarantees with Davies situation so either Findley or Cunningham will likely stay in Bradley’s plans.
Previewing El Salvador:
Roster:
Goalkeepers: Miguel Montes and Dagoberto Portillo
Defenders: Alfredo Pacheco, Marvin Gonzalez, Manuel Salazar, Alexander Escobar, Deris Umanzor, Jose Henrique, Ramon Flores
Midfielders: Ramon Sanchez, Dennis Alas, Osael Romero, Shawn Martin, Juan Moscoso, Arturo Alvarez, Josue Flores, Edgar Alvarez
Forwards: Rudis Corrales and Andres Flores
The team is led by veteran defenders Alfredo Pacheco, ex-NY Red Bulls player, and Marvin Gonzalez. Their midfield has a trio of MLS players in Ramon Sanchez (San Jose), Arturo Alvarez (San Jose), and Osael Romero (new addition to Chivas USA). Rudi Corrales will lead the attack for El Salvador. A noticeable absence from the squad is attacking midfielder Eliseo Quintanilla who was not released by his club. Another player of note is Edgar Alvarez. Edgar, a 23 year old community college player from Texas, is looking for his first cap.
El Salvador was tough throughout qualifying but they should be an easier opponent than Honduras. This is the first game for El Salvador since qualifying ended, and it is the first game for interim head coach Jose Luis Rugamas.
If the US doesn’t win this game, I’d cut everyone.
FC Denver will be at the British Bulldog watching the match. Please join us from some good beer and good soccer.
Where: British Bulldog, 2052 Stout Street, Denver, CO 80205
When: Wednesday, February 24 at 5pm
FC Denver is proud to announce an exclusive partnership with the number one soccer pub in the Denver Metro area; the British Bulldog. The British Bulldog has long been known amongst those in the Denver footy scene, but has recently undergone a reemergence under the tutelage of its new owners, the Little Pub Company (LPC). The LPC purchased the Bulldog over a year and a half ago and have instilled class and great service to what has always been an aesthetically cool locale.