MLS Players Who Should Get a Call-Up to the USMNT

The final international window closed last week, and it ended with a whimper for the U.S. men's national team after dropping two friendlies. They lost 2-1 to Colombia before a lackluster 4-1 defeat against Ireland.

Jurgen Klinsmann's recent team selection has been odd, to say the least. Calling up veterans such as Kyle Beckerman and Matt Besler is counter-productive, since they'll be stalwarts for the USMNT for awhile. 

There are several players in MLS that can fill voids in Klinsmann's squad. The names in this slideshow address a positional issue with the team, provide experience and/or depth in certain positions. They also have to be under the age of 30 or they would not be realistic options for the 2018 World Cup.

Here are 12 players that Klinsmann could add to his team in future friendlies and tournaments.

Amobi Okugo

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Amobi Okugo had a fantastic 2014 season with the Union. Edu switched positions with Okugo and both players stood out for Philadelphia, despite not making the playoffs.

Okugo, normally a center-back, was a solid defensive midfielder whenever head coach Jim Curtin needed him to play in that role.

The 23-year-old can read the game very well, break up plays, and transition forward. His standout performances have led to Okugo being linked with a move to Europe. The Union midfielder/defender has also been capped at youth level by the U.S.

Chris Schuler

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Chris Schuler has been one of the breakout players of the year in MLS. The Real Salt Lake center-back has been a stalwart at his position, guiding the team into the playoffs for the seventh season in a row.

RSL conceded the joint-second fewest amount of goals in MLS, per the league's official website. Schuler, a third-round pick in the 2010 SuperDraft, is terrific in the air and has good positioning, which is why his interception and tackling numbers are reasonably high.

Schuler can add some valuable depth at center-back for the USMNT. This 27-year-old deserves at least one shot for a spot on the national team.

Andrew Farrell

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Andrew Farrell is one of a few young American defenders who should have been called up by now. However, the former No. 1 pick in the 2013 SuperDraft hasn't earned a cap for the U.S., despite some rumblings earlier this season.

Farrell has played as both a right-back and center-back for the New England Revolution. He's a great depth option for Timmy Chandler or Fabian Johnson, when the latter plays as a full-back. Plus, he can fill in centrally when necessary.

The 22-year-old is still relatively young, and does have a lot of strength and positioning skills. It would be productive to throw him out there for one the USMNT's future friendlies to see if he can fit into the system.

A.J. Soares

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New England Revolution center back A.J. Soares has rapidly improved since his rookie season in 2011. The former first-round pick in the 2011 SuperDraft has been a stalwart in the Revs defense since. 

Soares started 32 of 34 regular-season matches this year. He was usually partnered with Jose Goncalves, who wasn't as strong as he was in previous campaigns, but was still solid enough to guide New England deep into the playoffs.

There are a lot of defenders on this list, but Soares is just 25 years old, so he should be given some caps or include him in the Gold Cup squad to see if he can handle the rigours of CONCACAF.

Victor Ulloa

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FC Dallas asserted themselves as a dark horse in the Western Conference this season. They were narrowly eliminated by the Seattle Sounders, but didn't lose either match. Midfielder Victor Ulloa was a major contributor to the Hoops' success.

Ulloa was signed as a homegrown player, but he didn't become a key starter until this season. He started 26 games and formed a tremendous partnership with Michel in the heart of midfield. 

If Klinsmann is looking for a defensive midfielder who can contribute on both sides of the pitch, Ulloa is someone he can consider for the future.

Perry Kitchen

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Perry Kitchen is another young defensive midfielder who has been turning heads in MLS. The 2011 first-round pick has become a key cog in D.C. United's team and he's just 22 years old.

Kitchen was an integral part of the U.S. U17 national team and was also a member of the U20 and U23 squads. Kitchen's tenacity and defensive traits exemplify Klinsmann's wishes of the USMNT becoming "nastier" in games.

Matt Hedges

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There are a lot of center-backs on this list, but Matt Hedges was one of the best defenders in MLS this year. However, he doesn't get the same accolades that Omar Gonzalez and Chad Marshall have received.

Hedges is 24 years old, which means he still hasn't hit his prime years. He's able to snuff out any danger and execute the crucial tackle, interception or clearance. 

The Dallas center-back has already made 93 appearances since his debut season in 2011 and continues to improve after each campaign. Hedges can provide another option for Klinsmann to shore up the back line.

Maurice Edu

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Maurice Edu is primarily a defensive midfielder, but he's played as a center-back for the majority of the 2014 season with the Philadelphia Union.

Edu was solid in either position, which is a good reason for Klinsmann to give the ex-Toronto FC man another look for the national team. The 28-year-old is great in multiple positions, so he could save the coaching staff a few roster spots for World Cups and other tournaments.

Besler, Omar Gonzalez and John Brooks were the only out-and-out center-backs in the last squad. Very few of them are capable passers or ball-playing defenders. Edu can help in that category in defense or as a deep-lying midfielder.

Brad Evans

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Brad Evans was one of the final cuts for the World Cup roster this past May. He would have been a solid option, as he can play as a right-back, midfielder or winger.

Even at 29, Evans would still be a formidable option for Klinsmann. The Seattle Sounders man would be able to fill in as a full-back, winger or add some defensive qualities and passing in midfield.

Evans would be a solid depth option for Alejandro Bedoya and a more experienced player to replace Alfredo Morales, who joined the USMNT for the last two friendlies.

However, thanks to his comments after being cut from the World Cup roster, Evans probably won't be called by Klinsmann again.

Chad Marshall

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Evans' Sounders teammate, Chad Marshall, is another strong candidate for a call-up.

Marshall has represented the U.S. before, but it's been four years since the center-back was a key cog with the national team. Given his tremendous season with Seattle, Klinsmann has to at least consider the 29-year-old for future squads.

Marshall is still 29 years old, so he probably has about five more quality years, which would allow him to be called up for the 2018 World Cup. However, in the short-term, Klinsmann should give the Defender of the Year nominee a chance.

Wil Trapp

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Wil Trapp was a part of the 2013 U20 World Cup squad. He played in all three matches, and has grown exponentially as a player since that tournament. 

Trapp, along with Tony Tchani, has become one of the best midfield partnerships in MLS. Both players were key contributors to the Columbus Crew's playoff run this year.

Trapp is 22 years old and has to be viewed as a future member of the USMNT. His numbers, via Who Scored, are comparable with some of the top-tier defensive midfielders in MLS.

At the rate he's growing, Trapp could become a starter for the U.S., but Klinsmann has to give him some minutes soon.

Gyasi Zardes

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Gyasi Zardes was one of the top American goalscorer in MLS this season. He beat out players like Clint Dempsey and Chris Wondolowski, both of whom represented the U.S. in this summer's World Cup.

This was a breakout year for the LA Galaxy attacker, and he rightly deserves a call-up for his exploits this season.

Dempsey, Jozy Altidore and Aron Johannsson seem to be the only locks for Klinsmann. Bobby Wood has been awful since returning to the U.S. squad, and if Miguel Ibarra (plays for NASL side Minnesota United) and Jordan Morris (Stanford Cardinal), are getting call-ups, Zardes deserves one as well.

The USMNT needs goalscorers, and Zardes was one of the best in MLS. 

Did we miss anyone that deserves a shot with the USMNT? Let us know in the comments below.