SoccerAmerica - Pontius and Spector replace Loyd and Pearce 08/29/2011

[USA MEN] D.C. United midfielder Chris Pontius and Birmingham City defender Jonathan Spector replaced FC Dallas defender Zach Loyd and Chivas USA defender Heath Pearce for the USA's friendlies against Costa Rica on Friday at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. (ESPN2, ESPN3.com, Galavision, 8 p.m. PT, 11 p.m. ET) and Belgium four days later at Brussels' King Baudouin Stadium (ESPN, ESPN3.com, 2:30 p.m. ET). In addition to injury concerns about Loyd and Pearce (both have hamstring strains), Clint Dempsey will join the USA in Belgium instead of flying to California because of back spasms.

Spector, who has 31 caps and was on the roster for the 2010 World Cup, is starting for Birmingham City of the English League Championship following a move from West Ham United.

Pontius is making his second appearance in a U.S. national team camp after participating in the January camp in 2010 and will be looking to earn his first cap. He has scored seven goals this season for D.C. United, one more than he scored in his first two seasons. After a standout rookie season, a hamstring injury cut short his 2010 campaign.

Dempsey, who scored his first goal for Fulham on Sunday, will remain in London to receive treatment for back spasms. He will join the team in Brussels on Sunday.

U.S. ROSTER:
GOALKEEPERS (2): Bill Hamid (D.C. United), Tim Howard (Everton)
DEFENDERS (7): Carlos Bocanegra (Rangers), Edgar Castillo (Club America), Timmy Chandler (FC Nuremberg), Clarence Goodson (Brondby), Michael Orozco Fiscal (San Luis), Tim Ream (New York Red Bulls), Jonathan Spector (Birmingham City)
MIDFIELDERS (8): Maurice Edu (Rangers), Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim), Sacha Kljestan (Anderlecht), Jeff Larentowicz (Colorado Rapids), Chris Pontius (D.C. United), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew), Brek Shea (FC Dallas), Jose Torres (Pachuca)
FORWARDS (4): Juan Agudelo (New York Red Bulls), Jozy Altidore (AZ Alkmaar), Teal Bunbury (Sporting Kansas City), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy)

0 comments

Amos Annan

commented on: August 30, 2011 at 10:29 a.m.

Not seeing a lot of Hispanics on this roster. Guessing that Klinsmann likes the more physical and direct style of his experience.

Ric Fonseca

commented on: August 30, 2011 at 11:40 a.m.

Amos Annan, I wonder if you know just what you're saying or talking about? I counted five Latinos - or "Hispanics" to you, maybe even six if you count Landon Donovan (I read somewhere that LD is part Latino, or "Hispanic" to you???)As for you to say, oooops, I should say you're "Guessing that Klinsmann...(sic)" prefers the "more physical and direct style of his experience...(sic)" is yet once again, a vacuous and disingenuous and disjointed statement.

Raveen Rama

commented on: August 30, 2011 at 2:17 p.m.

Amos, I was going to comment on your remarks but Ric has said it sufficiently!

Vic Flegel

commented on: August 30, 2011 at 3:07 p.m.

I don't consider Bocanegra,nor Juan Agudelo to be Latinos,therfore there are only 3.

Manny Hirschel

commented on: August 30, 2011 at 3:18 p.m.

Soccer Amnerica ought to hire Ric fonseca. He has all the answers and doe nor mince words. He could replace Paul Gardner.

Roger Sokol

commented on: August 30, 2011 at 5:50 p.m.

How ever you count Latinos, Klinsi has again included several Latinos that seemed to have fallen out of favor with former coach Bob Bradley. The important thing is finding the best players and getting a system of play that best uses their talent. I rhink Klinsmann needs the flexibility during these and any remaining friendlies before qualification to try out any and all American soccer talent. Hopefullly, that means we shouldn't continually subject these rosters to any litmus tests about their makeup. As long as eveerybody gets a fair shot and the best team is picked for qualification that is what is important. I hope that through this selection process that Klinsmann continues to look at some of the young MLS prospects.

Barry Thomas

commented on: August 30, 2011 at 6:42 p.m.

Ric - - I always enjoy reading your comments here, and I agree with you at LEAST 95% of the time. But you seem to be over-reacting quite strongly to Amos' use of the word, 'Hispanic.' You obviously prefer the term, 'Latino,' and that's fine. But I'm not sure that 'Hispanic' is more derogatory or less accurate than 'Latino.' I don't mean any offense, I just don't understand the caustic tone. Am I missing something?

Philippe Fontanelli

commented on: August 30, 2011 at 8:09 p.m.

Guys (Barry, Manny, Amos, Vic)I am sorry but Ric is right. There are 5 Latin origin (Americans) US players plus Donovan (his mother is a Latina) who speaks Spanish fluently. And I am sure more to surface. And Manny yes maybe Ric should replace the SA writers (exception of Paul Gardner who is a guest writer)he sure make more sense than most of them. Vic I ask you what is the difference between the 3 (Torres, Orozco and Castillo) and the 2 (Bocanegra and Agudelo)? For me they are all US born/bred/raised and of Latin origin. Please let's not seperate the origins of the players as we are all of different origins in this country but all of us Americans or should I say US citizens and/or taxpayers. Starting with me, as I am of Italian origin emigrated to the US at my youth. My kids are US born red blooded Americans and we are utmost fans and patriots of the USMNT. But I must admit that I have lot of respect for the Mexican National Team and I intend to watch their upcoming games against Poland and Chile rooting for Mexico.

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