Klinsmann: 'We have a lot of attacking options'
- by Paul Kennedy @pkedit, Aug 30, 2016
Dempsey is sidelined with a irregular heart condition while Zardes suffered what Goal.com reported to a broken foot that could sideline him for much of the fall.
"We have a lot of attacking options for these two games," Klinsmann said in a Facebook Q&A on Monday.
Bobby Wood, who scored in his Bundesliga debut on Saturday, and Chris Wondolowski return from the Copa Centenario team while Jozy Altidore, who will captain the USA at St. Vincent & the Grenadines on Friday, is back after missing the Copa Centenario with a hamstring injury. Youngsters Jordan Morris and Rubio Rubio round out the USA's frontline options.
Dempsey is the big loss, having scored 13 goals in the last two years and a team-high three at the Copa Centenario. Klinsmann said the Seattle Sounders forward has a lot of specialists evaluating him and he hopes he'll be to be cleared to play again.
"Would we need him down in St. Vincent & the Grenadines and against Trinidad and Tobago in the second game?" Klinsmann said. "Absolutely. But he's not available, and we [want to] make sure he's going to be fine in the long run. Our thoughts are with him."
15 comments about "Klinsmann: 'We have a lot of attacking options'".
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Please no more Wondolowski. Absolutely garbage player. And what about bringing Kljestan back? Isn't he playing well? We need more technical players, and he could help us retain possession of the ball. With Bradley's recent abysmal USMNT team performances, we must begin thinking about other CM options.
Wondo's not a garbage player. He's a good MLS player who isn't quite up to the level of international soccer. I don't think he should start or be a top option off the bench, but he's an excellent teammate and locker room veteran that helps the team in camp. Maybe he'll be a coach one day.
Kljestan was added to the roster for these qualifiers.
John & Eric, Wondo was brought into the NT fold 'cause of his possible attacking prowesss that he's failed to show during key games. No, I do NOT agree nor will I ever say any player is a "garbage player," that is insulting and a disparaging comment to make and put on anyone, yet while I do agree that he isn't the kind of player wanted up front, let's hope he wakes up and smells the coffee, and is NOT a train coming the opposite way in the tunnel of dispair! Go for it Wondo!!!
Subjective, that's the word in player selection. SK, for me is a fine player, technical too, but when facing the stronger teams that bring tighter marking than what he faces in MLS, he isn't as effective, IMO. Again, its a speed of play-thought limitation. Hopefully, he will surprise because I too believe MB's time has come and gone, assuming the intent is to continue the teams evolution. For CW and KB, they have been good players, but what is their contributions value today? Klinsmann made reference recently to players that deserve the call up based on the past. A JK shortcoming IMO. Are we not past the roster spots for guys that are good in training and the locker room? Don't get me wrong these guys made it further than me and have been very good pro's for team and country.
Why is valuable tine being wasted on Backman and Wondo? Were never good enought, old and useless. Great opportunity to give the younger players some experience. Even if it is just being in camp and travelling. And it is wasted on those 2.
Yet another boneheaded roster selection by JK. Wondo & Jozy? Seriously??? We need a new coach!!!
Every national team coach is always looking for better players to add to the pool. JK is no different. The objective for these next two matches should be to obtain a win without incurring any yellow cards or injuries. We need better results than last year. Those who question the selections should think about the type of play expected. This won't be a La Liga match.
Bob, Great point/comment!!! Let's hope for the best and a quick recovery to Deuce and Zardes. IMHO, though, Bradley's time, is over, not only has his play diminished but his body language during a game speaks volumes!!!
There was talk that he was playing injured.
Bob, that has been JK's major accomishment, the pool expansion. Beyond that, IMO, he all to often seems stalled or unsure how to use the expanded pool. I agree this won't be La Liga, thank goodness for that. I still disagree with selecting a roster based on the worry of cards or injuries. That position further delays the already geologically slow integration of younger more talented players. Are younger players not selected not substantially prepared for the uniqueness of CONCACAF rivals. This for me is the reticence continuing to inhibit our national team development and confidence. There is always some defended logic for continuing with players that capped out their talent, in some cases 4 to 5 years ago.
I too heard MB was-is effected with an injury. I agree with Ric here in that it shouldn't then be reflected in how he carries himself. MB is a prime example of having maxed out his potential 4 years ago. We need better, should expect better and have some guts in making changes. I'm not a JK or player hater, I'm probably just more decisive in decision making. Right or wrong.
Yeah but what possible justification would be to waste a roster spot on Wondolowski? Who has never performed well for USMNT and is too old.
Dan, the Wondo thing goes back to the 2013 Gold Cup and some friendlies. He came off the bench in a string of games and scored a bunch of goals. It was his magic run but IMO he will never be able to pull that off again, especially years later. Like the guy in MLS and as stated previously good leadership in the locker room but surely we've got better striking options.
I'm not aware of any US soccer player named "Rubio Rubio". There's a kid from here in Beaverton named Rubio RUBIN who I hear is pretty good....
Wondo is a totally wasted roster spot. He could have brought in Brek Shea instead.
Agree with no CW, not with BS. Brek was a player I was really excited about early. Whether it be left mid or back. I'm not sure what's happened to him though. He doesn't have the fire he once did, its as if when things didn't go his way overseas he sort of through up his hands and conceded. Signed for some MLS money, don't blame him, and hasn't appeared to even become a fixture with Orlando. Hope I'm wrong but Brek might be satisfied with his game as is.