Klinsmann calls in Chandler, drops Eddie Johnson
- by Paul Kennedy @pkedit, May 12, 2014
USA 30:
Goalkeepers (3):
Brad Guzan, Aston Villa (England)
Tim Howard, Everton (England)
Nick Rimando, Real Salt Lake
Defenders (11):
DaMarcus Beasley, Puebla (Mexico)
Matt Besler, Sporting KC
John Brooks, Hertha Berlin (Germany)
Geoff Cameron, Stoke City (England)
Timmy Chandler (Nuremberg, Germany)
Brad Evans, Seattle Sounders
Omar Gonzalez, LA Galaxy
Clarence Goodson, San Jose Earthquakes
Fabian Johnson, Hoffenheim (Germany)
Michael Parkhurst, Columbus Crew
DeAndre Yedlin, Seattle Sounders
Midfielders (10):
Alejandro Bedoya, Nantes (France)
Kyle Beckerman, Real Salt Lake
Michael Bradley, Toronto FC
Joe Corona (Tijuana, Mexico)
Brad Davis, Houston Dynamo
Mikkel Diskerud, Rosenborg (Norway)
Maurice Edu, Philadelphia Union
Julian Green, Bayern Munich (Germany)
Jermaine Jones, Besiktas (Turkey)
Graham Zusi, Sporting KC
Forwards (6):
Jozy Altidore, Sunderland (England)
Terrence Boyd, Rapid Vienna (Austria)
Clint Dempsey, Seattle Sounders
Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy),
Aron Johannsson, AZ (Netherlands)
Chris Wondolowski, San Jose Earthquakes
Klinsmann said he always encouraged Chandler as he played very well earlier in the season before he suffered a knee injury with Nuremberg. He said Green was recovered from a shoulder injury suffered in the match against Mexico April 2 and had resumed training with Bayern Munich II.
Perhaps the only other surprise besides the inclusion of Chandler was the recall of Joe Corona. But he had a strong season with Tijuana, helping it reach the semifinals of the Concacaf Champions League and quarterfinals of Mexico's Torneo Clausura.
World Cup 2014 Squads:
Group A: Brazil (23) | Mexico (23)
Group C: Japan (23)
Group D: England (23)
Group E: Honduras (23)
Group F: Bosnia-Herzegovina (24) | Iran (28) | Nigeria (30)
Group G: Germany (30) | Ghana (26)
Group H: Algeria | Russia | South Korea (23)
In a conference call with media on Monday, Klinsmann named six players who he had to make "tough calls" to drop: Michael Orozco (whom he said would have probably been picked but for his recent injury), Tim Ream, Brek Shea, Edgar Castillo, Sacha Kljestan and Johnson.
Johnson had scored the goal against Mexico that qualified the USA for the World Cup and showed his versatility, starting on both wings in the Hexagonal.
Klinsmann said the hard part was still to come, reducing his roster from 30 players to 23 by June 2.
20 comments about "Klinsmann calls in Chandler, drops Eddie Johnson".
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No Oneywu, Shea, Feilhaber, Eddie Johnson? Klinsmann has been telling his players to push themselves to play at the highest level and these player get shunned.
I genuinely think Johnson screwed up with his whine-show at Seattle. Now he can't score at DC, and he is rightfully off the roster. Shea isn't playing at all. Onyewu is still inconsistent, and there is depth over Feilhaber. I see this as a roster that is rewarding players who are playing well, and some wild cards. A lot of people dislike Wondolowski, but the fact is he IS the hottest scorer right now in the last 10 games for the Nats with 9 goals. He is also a world class poacher. He is uncanny, if he can get those opportunities. And frankly, Chandler is there for his speed AND his ability. He is still worth a look because we are absolutely weak at RB and CR is going to be playing on the left wing.
Tim Ream was the surprise omission to me.
I am sorry but if you are playing in the English Championship league week in and week out you cannot call that "inconsistent?" Oneywu, Ream, and Shea deserve to be put on the team. Even according to Klinsmann whom suggested that he wants his player to play at the highest level. As for Wondo, he is a good player in the MLS, but he has not even had a legitimate offer at a higher level. These changes are similar to the last minute changes Steve Sampson did in 1998 and we all know how that turned out.
Unless EJ causes problems for his teammates (not something I'd heard, but his recent impolitic remarks about his DC teammates might suggest that), he's certainly done enough to be given a shot. I think judging forwards only by 'goals scored lately' is too one dimensional. I have not been impressed with Boyd, so I'm surprised he's on the roster over EJ (though I guess he's been hot in the Austrian league). I always like Onyewu, but he's not been the same after his knee injury. Ream seems like a player who should be given a shot, as a centerback who's good on the ball (and was voted the most valuable player by his team). Shea is a wildcard (he seems to vary from really good to really bad). I would like to see Fielhaber given a shot; he always seems to make things happen in the midfield. I'm glad Wondo gets a crack; he deserves it. We need more speed in the back, so maybe Chandler can provide that. I wish he'd drop Jones, but that'll never happen...
Brad Davis, Brad Evans, Bedoya and Beckerman are NOT good. Eddie Johnson, Danny Williams, and Tim Ream are 10 times better than first 4 clowns mentioned. E. Johnson and Williams not only should be on the 30 man, but have the ability to crack the starting XI in Brazil! A few real head scratchers but Klinsy got it mostly right.
Eddie blew his chance by passing off his inability to score on his teammates. And then he dug the hole further by unsuccessfully trying to explain away his comments. Lots of scorers have overblown egos, but Eddie was in denial. Of course, LD has struggled with scoring, also, but he doesn't hesitate to take responsibility for his play. I don't think Klinsman minds working with prima donnas as long as their play backs up their comments. "It's not my fault," just doesn't cut it.
I hate to break it to you, but Bedoya is practically on fire right now. He is, and has been playing exceptionally well at Nantes. He damn well deserves a shot, as does Danny Williams. Personally I don't think EJ is all that great, and he's certainly not better than T. Boyd, plus EJ's mouth and attitude are not precisely what you want in the dressing room. Whenever a striker goes to blaming his teammates for his lack of production it's usually to point fingers away from the real problem, which is him. Very glad to see Yedlin and Green on the roster, two youngsters who are genuine talents.
I hope all the Chandler experts out there are right, and he excels with this opportunity! We need alot of convincing, as I'm sure Klinsmann does. Still would rather Cameron take the RB role if Jurgen is set on Jones as the DCMiddie. Anyone who doesn't think EJ is'nt a "gamer" for the NATS and didn't get screwed in this, is myopic. Boyd and Green aren't gonna' just flip a switch and put the ball in the back of the net like EJ seems to do when he wears the US shirt, and they certainly don't bring Eddie's aerial capability!
I saw Johnson for DC at home to Dallas two weeks ago, and aside from his assist he was very poor - I already thought then that Klinsmann should exclude him. He was one step off the pace of the game (and if you can't keep up in MLS, you'll be hard pushed to do it at the World Cup), his first touch was terrible, and he didn't put in a great deal of effort. I can see the argument for sticking on a big lad up front late in the game in the qualifiers against tiring Concacaf teams. But putting in hopeful high balls for a player like EJ against opponents like Germany, Portugal and Ghana is a lost cause - experienced international defenders deal with that kind of redundant tactical approach with their eyes closed. Good call, coach.
Cisco, I thought Shea still wasn't getting any playing time? Not many surprises but Ream deserved a shot.
It's sad to see some guys left out, but its more about who's hot & who provides the best chemistry for solid team play. We wont have the ball much in Brazil, so you better play team defense and have a quick, in sync counter attack. I think this list gives us hope for that. Lets see how they look in the sendoff games.
Why is anyone even talking about Brek Shea he has not played in 6-months?
Danny Williams was flat out robbed. It's clear that Klinsmen cut a deal with Green. "Become an American and you make camp."
So are we looking for Saints in the squad or players that can make a difference on the world stage? What we still don't have is attackers willing to run at defenders and breakdown their backline, at least EJ would attempt to do so, with admittedly mixed results. Davis, Boyd, and Corona to some degree, have yet to provide moments where you say, "yes" they have to be included, vs. just a potential to contribute. I don't remember anyone suggesting we would reside to "hopeful high balls", but when they are whipped in by Donovan or Zusi, I can picture EJ on the end of one more so then Jozy or Boyd! Go figure.
"Unless EJ causes problems for his teammates (not something I'd heard. . . ."
It seems clear from what we've heard here in Seattle that EJ was, in fact, causing problems for his teammates, and ask someone on the D.C. squad what they think. His behavior is nothing new; neither is his lackadaisical approach to play when he's not "inspired." Won't miss him at all.
EJ has talked his way off the team. I am glad Klinsi is giving Chandler another chance. It is over due. I think Bedoya is a lock for the 23 man roster. This really opens up the opportunity for Wondo to go to Brazil. He has proved he can consistently score at this level, albeit against weaker competition. I believe Orozco should be in this camp. Johansson should go to Brazil. This guy has ice water in his veins in front of the goal. I think Joe Corona deserves a look. He is another guy with skill who keeps his composure in front of the goal.
Corona and Gonzolez need to make it so when Mexico gets ousted in round #1 the country still something to root for.
Regardless of EJ's comments or antics, he was a great player. However I think that Sigi was smart to let him go. Seattle had bigger fish to fry. That out of the way, Yedlin is a GREAT choice! He's consistent, young, has great maneuverability...he'll be awesome!
If anyone thinks that Shea has minimal soccer IQ, think again. As for EJ, he mopes too much, inconsistent, negative attitude; all so obvious against Philly last week. If EJ is a great player, it's news to me...he has moments, but not enough of them to even be labeled a good player. IMHO, he's totally immature and can't handle the heat.
Am I mistaken, or are there only 4 Latinos on the preliminary World Cup squad???