"First off, I just hope people will actually realize that I don't try to go to the national team and not play well. I've represented the country in so many games on the biggest stages. Of course, my intention is to do all I can to help the team win. It's a challenge. It's a different role and not an every-day environment, so the challenge is adjusting to that and still finding a way to be effective. Good players do that, and I want to become that."

-- U.S. forward Jozy Altidore, whom Coach Jurgen Klinsmann left off the roster for World Cup qualifiers on Friday and Tuesday despite Altidore leading the Dutch league in goals with eight for AZ Alkmaar. (SI.com)