Nguyen is exception to established order
- by Paul Kennedy @pkedit, Nov 11, 2014
The Opponents:
Colombia: Roster
Ireland: Roster
Nguyen and Revs teammate Jermaine Jones and DeAndre Yedlin of the Seattle Sounders were the only players still alive in the MLS called in for the two friendlies, though it is likely they'll be released after Friday's Colombia match to prepare for the MLS conference finals that resume Nov. 23.
Geoff Cameron, whom Klinsmann watched on Sunday in action for Stoke City, was also recalled. He had been called up for the match against the Czech Republic in September but was scratched as he was injured. Cameron, Jones, John Brooks and Matt Besler are the players expected to split time in the two games at center back.
Rubin Rubio, the 18-year-old FC Utrecht sensation, and Jordan Morris, the Stanford University sophomore, were also recalled. In Morris' case, he'll likely miss the No. 1 Cardinal's game Sunday against Cal in which it will have a chance to clinch its first Pac-12 title since 2001.
Rubio and Morris were called in for the Czech Republic match but did not play, making them the only uncapped players in the current squad. They are among five players eligible for the 2016 Olympics as U-23 players along with Julian Green, Brooks and Yedlin. (Miguel Ibarra, who earned a second call-up after Minnesota United FC was upset in the NASL semifinals, is 24.)
Klinsmann stressed the importance of keeping the veterans around to help mentor the young players in the squad.
“I think if you look at these veterans -- Kyle Beckerman, DaMarcus Beasley, Nick Rimando, Jermaine Jones -- I think those are all players that have to help get the younger players to another level,” said Klinsmann in an interview with USSoccer.com. “It’s literally their jobs; it’s what we’re asking. I know everybody is busy with themselves and wants to play and show what they have, but in a transition phase after a World Cup, having a year until you play that Gold Cup in July, we need these older players. Beasley is a very important player in this going forward, and Beckerman and Rimando. They have to show what it takes to become consistent and a real professional."
Sixteen of 23 World Cup players were called up. Klinsmann did not call up captain Clint Dempsey, Omar Gonzalez, Michael Bradley, Brad Davis, Graham Zusi and Aron Johannsson, while not currently accepting call-ups is goalkeeper Tim Howard.
Both Dempsey and Gonzalez are still involved in the MLS playoffs. After Monday's Seattle-FC Dallas match, Sounders coach Sigi Schmid said it was agreed between the Sounders and the national team that Dempsey be given rest.
Bradley just underwent surgery to repair nerve damage in his foot, while Johannsson just returned to action for AZ after a long layoff. Zusi was called in for the October friendlies, while Davis has not been recalled since the World Cup.
The biggest surprise in the U.S. squad was the return of Bobby Wood, who has played all of five minutes for struggling German second division club 1860 Munich since the October friendlies, where he played in both matches against Ecuador and Honduras.
U.S. Roster:
GOALKEEPERS (4): Brad Guzan (Aston Villa/ENG), Bill Hamid (D.C. United), Sean Johnson (Chicago Fire), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)
DEFENDERS (9): DaMarcus Beasley (Houston Dynamo), Matt Besler (Sporting KC), John Brooks (Hertha Berlin/GER), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City/ENG), Timmy Chandler (Eintracht Frankfurt/GER), Greg Garza (Tijuana/MEX), Fabian Johnson (Borussia M'Gladbach/GER), Jermaine Jones (New England Revolution), DeAndre Yedlin (Seattle Sounders).
MIDFIELDERS (6): Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Alejandro Bedoya (Nantes/FRA), Mix Diskerud (Rosenborg/NOR), Julian Green (Hamburg/GER), Alfredo Morales (Ingolstadt/GER), Lee Nguyen (New England Revolution).
FORWARDS (6): Jozy Altidore (Sunderland/ENG), Miguel Ibarra (Minnesota United FC), Jordan Morris (Stanford Univ.), Rubio Rubin (FC Utrecht/NED), Bobby Wood (1860 Munich/GER), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes).
6 comments about "Nguyen is exception to established order".
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I find it funny that J Klinns needs leadership from "longtime" US Nats like Beckerman, but never needed the leadership of the best American ever to wear a US kit. Jones is a very good player, and so is Beckerman. Donovan, however, is a tremendous goal scorer and American icon and nobody has the experience that he does. JK has no need for LD's leadership though??? Us Nat till i die, and im pro JK, but Klinsy's reign will forever be marred in my eyes. I think he F' this up royaly
Very well said by Reuben. Anyone who has followed Donovan over the years knows he generally shows up huge in the big games. It's been a while now, but it still bothers me that Landon was not on the World Cup roster. There is no doubt he is the best American player ever. Watching him against Real Salt Lake only made me wonder about the impact he could have had in Brazil.
I agree with Rueben, how ironic Klinsmann wanted experience and since Donovan was omitted from the World Cup Roster, no one is hotter right now than him.
Well I disagree with Reuben! I think you need to stop beating a dead horse and move on- enough already! Let's, however, continue the conversation about Hispanics on our team, and encourage Klinsmann to consider adding more.
Zoe, such a huge mistake by a "seasoned" coach is UNFORGIVABLE and will be unforgettable. Klinsmann should need to do some magic and else, for such a extreme blunder be forgotten.
Enough about Donovan! Let's just agree to disagree and talk about the many other players who are possibilities for the future. (FWIW, I saw LD at the USMNT camp at Stanford before the WC, and he was noticeably heavier and slower. I told people then that he would not make the team.)