Well since the Yanks take on the Redcoats on Saturday, thought I'd post my starting lineup for team USA. Actually, it's who I think should start, and who I think Bradley will start.
Goalie
This one is obvious. Timmy Howard is arguably the best keeper in the world. He reads the game great, and has the ability to make any save. Hopefully he doesn't get hurt cause Brad Guzan is not ready for the big time, and Marcus Hannahan doesn't have much international experience either despite a great season in the EPL
Who I want: Tim Howard
Who I think Tim Howard
Defense
If Oguchi Onyewu was healthy, he'd give England's front line fits. Sadly, Gooch is not really all that ready, but will have to start because Goodson and DeMerrit are both gamblers in contrast to Gooch. Carlos Bocanegra is our captain, and looks to be in good form coming off sports hernia surgery. With Boca and Gooch both set in stone, how bout the other 2 spots? Jay DeMerrit and Jonathan Spector had a great Confederation Cup last year, but due to injury (DeMerrit) and poor form (Spector) both have seen them fighting for their jobs. Stevie Cherundolo has looked good in his past few games, but DeMerrit and Goodson are tough. I'd probably rather see Goodson because of the ability to add to the offense.
Who I want Carlos Bocanegra, Oguchi Onyewu, Clarence Goodson, Stevie Cherundolo
Who I think Carlos Bocanegra, Oguchi Onyewu, Jay DeMerrit, Stevie Cherundolo
Midfield
In My opinion, three spots are locked up. Landon Dovovan, Clint Dempsey, and Michael Bradley are all locks to start. Bradley gets a little too much flack IMO because his dad is the coach, but Baby Bradley has shown he can produce, he just needs to control his temper. Stuart Holden has the talent to start, but Bradley prefers using him outside, so he'll more than likely be a late sub, or start if Dempsey is moved up top. Benny Felheber is another candidate as he adds another playmaker to the midfield. However, the big problem with Benny is he doesn't get back on defense. Ricardo Clark has been the starter, and is another player that gets a lot of flack; a lot of which is undeserved. While he isn't playing at his Confederation Cup level, he's a decent defender that adds a strong shot. IMO however, that skill is best served off the bench. Jose Torres has won a lot of supporters, and his runs off the ball do open up passing lanes. My problem against England however is that he is too small for the physical team. I'd love to see Maurice Edu start since IMO he is our best defensive mid, and does have offensive potential, but I think Rico gets the nod.
Who I want Landon Donovan, Michael Bradley, Maurice Edu, Clint Dempsey
Who I think Landon Donovan, Michael Bradley, Ricardo Clark, Clint Dempsey
Forwards
If Jozy is ready, he'll for sure be one striker. While Jozy didn't score at Hull City, he did become a better holder, and playmaker from his time there. Jozy has also been a top notch player while playing for the Yanks. The other spot is a battle between Hercules Gomez, Robbie Findley, and Edson Buddle. I'd rule Gomez out personally. He rejuvenated his career with Puebla as a super sub. In his 2 matches for the US, he scored coming off the bench. I don't think his skill set translates well to being a starter. At the same time, Edson Buddle doesn't translate well to being a bench player which is why I'd start him. Plus, he's got a hot foot. I do think you can make a case for Robbie Findley though. While he couldn't buy a basket against the Soccoroos, his speed and hustle sucked in defenders leading to scoring chances, and his pressure led to Buddle's first goal.
Who I want Jozy Altidore, Edson Buddle
Who I think Jozy Altidore, Robbie Findley
If Jozy can't go, it will be Buddle and Findley.
Also, from what I hear, Baby Bradley has a lot of bigger European Clubs monitoring him during the World Cup. So he may or may not be returning to the Bundesliga after the Cup.
