23 TICKETS TO SOUTH AFRICA: 23-MAN ROSTER ANNOUNCED
Here is Bob Bradley’s final 23-man roster for the World Cup.
Goalkeepers (3): Tim Howard, Marcus Hahnemann, Brad Guzan
Defenders (7): Carlos Bocanegra, Oguchi Onyewu, Jay DeMerit, Steve Cherundolo, Jonathan Spector, Clarence Goodson, Jonathan Bornstein
Midfielders (9): Landon Donovan, Michael Bradley, Stuart Holden, Maurice Edu, Ricardo Clark, DaMarcus Beasley, Benny Feilhaber, Jose Francisco Torres, Clint Dempsey
Forwards (4): Jozy Altidore, Herculez Gomez, Edson Buddle, Robbie Findley
No surprises at goalkeeper. These were the only three keepers called into camp and the only issue that needed sorting is determining the #2.
Normally the seven defenders selected by Bradley wouldn’t raise too many eyebrows. But the recent injury of Carlos Bocanegra and the current form of Oguchi Onyewu leaves me wondering if Chad Marshall shouldn’t be on the roster. Hopefully this means that Bradley and the doctors are certain both Boca and Gooch will be ready for the World Cup.
There is no real surprise in the midfield. Beasley looked ready to make his return to the national team after a strong outing against the Netherlands. Out of Bedoya, Kljestan, Torres, and Rogers; Torres was the most refined player. Bedoya and Rogers, 23, and Kljestan, 24, should start focusing on 2014.
Seeing Herculez Gomez and Edson Buddle on the roster is a big surprise. I expected one or the other but not both. Both looked good, not great, against the Czechs. Brian Ching’s omission is surprising but understandable, and a little risky. Although Ching has struggled with injuries, he was the most experienced striker in the pool. Bradley can always move Donovan or Dempsey to forward, but the fact that Bradley is taking four forwards to South Africa leads me to believe he wants Dempsey and Donovan in the midfield.
The mystery that is Robbie Findley. Findley must have some dirt on Bob Bradley . . . incriminating pictures perhaps. Although he’s put in some lackluster performances, Bradley still believes Findley can help the team in South Africa. I have taken my fair share of shots at Findley in the lead up to this final roster, but I’m happy that Findley’s hard work has paid off. Findley didn’t convince me but who cares what I think, he convinced the only man that matters . . . Bob Bradley.
Share your thoughts on the roster.
May 26th, 2010 at 2:19 pm
I think Ching should have gone. The US needs someone to come in and hold the ball up up top. He is a big body with good feet. And he also a good goal scoring record. Plus, he is experienced. It’s a shame.
May 26th, 2010 at 2:24 pm
FINDLEY? ARE YOU SERIOUS?
First I was skeptical how he got the call up and not Connor Casey. Then I’m absolutely floored when I find out he punched his ticket to South Africa. He’s a totally unknown quality for Country. He has scored no goals, hasn’t even helped a goal get scored or drawn a penalty. When he has played for RSL he has been totally eclipsed by the other forwards most of the time. Yura Movissiyan and Antonio Saborio can both back me up on this.
I am sick of people saying “Oh, Ching and Casey just got a couple of lucky breaks, they’re not REALLY that good.” Really? Because last time I checked, Findley has had NO breaks, not even lucky ones. If you are a forward who does not contribute goals to the team (either through assists or through actually scoring them) then you do no warrant a cap or a ticket to South Africa.
Yes, he’s fast. But where’s the finesse? Where’s the killer finishing touch?
I’d rather have a 50% CD9 than a 150% Robbie Findley.
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