Head coach Peter Nowak has named his squad for the upcoming Beijing Olympics, and it is the strongest US Olympic squad in history.
There were some issues with selection, as the Olympics overlap with World Cup Qualifying, but Nowak was able to assemble a good group of talent.
The team will be led by three European-based players: Jozy Altidore (Villareal), Freddy Adu (Benfica) and Michael Bradley (SC Heerenveen). All three players have experience at the full international level and should prove very effective against the other countries at the Olympics.
The Olympics are contested by U-23 squads, but each team is allowed three players that exceed the age limit. The US is bringing goalkeeper Brad Guzan, defender Michael Parkhurst and 36-year old striker Brian McBride.
McBride has played in three World Cups and is a veteran of the English Premier League, though he is currently without a team.
One notable exclusion from the team is Landon Donovan. Many expected him to be called up, but LA Galaxy coach Ruud Gullit said that a call-up would not be in the best interest of the Galaxy.
"In August, we get all kinds of international games," Gullit told ESPN.com. "It wouldn't be a wise decision to let him go [to both]."
The Olympic semi finals take place on Aug. 19, and the US takes on Guatemala in a World Cup qualifier on Aug. 20. The US opens Olympic competition on Aug. 7 against Japan.
US Roster:
Goalkeepers: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Chris Seitz (Real Salt Lake)
Defenders: Patrick Ianni (Houston Dynamo), Michael Orozco (San Luis), Michael Parkurst (New England Revolution), Nathan Sturgis (Real Salt Lake), Marvel Wynne (Toronto FC)
Midfielders: Freddy Adu (SL Benfica), Michael Bradley (SC Heerenveen), Maurice Edu (Toronto FC), Benny Feilhaber (Derby County), Stuart Holden (Houston Dynamo), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Danny Szetela (Brescia Calcio)
Forwards: Jozy Altidore (Villareal), Charlie Davies (Hammarby IF), Brian McBride (No club), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew)
4 comments Last one added 11 months ago — Leave a Comment
TJ Ferguson 11 months ago
is brad guzan any good? i feel like the games i have seen him play he has been horrid, why waste a +26 roster spot on him, whats wrong with hahneman or keller?
or have i just seen guzan at by far his worst?
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Joe G 11 months ago
He's pretty darn good. Last season's MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, plenty of full international experience, and was the subject of interest from Celtic, Liverpool and Arsenal before Villa finally snapped him up. The US might not do too many things as well as the rest of the footballing world, but we can produce goalkeepers.
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brett corbit 11 months ago
Hahneman and Keller?? Hahneman wouldnt be my first choice but i wouldnt complain about him either... but Keller?? im sorry but ive lost all interest in ever seeing him in a US jersey at Copa... there were some TERRIBLE attempts and it really put me off.... i would like to see Keller come back to the MLS to aid its growth, but representing the US?? i say we move on
Guzan is quite quality.... he had a poor beginning of the season , but thats b/c of the entire CUSA was doing poorly... of course he had some bad games with some saves that shouldve been made... but he did well in the friendlies, and as joe pointed out was GK of the year last season... he'll do well... altho it looks as tho Friedel is being transfered to Villa, so Guzan may be riding pine until Friedel moves on or is retired....
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brett corbit 11 months ago
the squad will represent well, but we arent in the easiest of groups.... Netherlands will obviously be tough, but i wouldnt be surprised to see them fizzle....Nigeria is going to be a FAST and talented side, but one begins to wonder about their consistancy.... Japan will be organized and textbook, but they could just as easily break down in the game....
its not going to be simple, but its doable if we can muster a win against Japan and at least a tie against Nigeria...
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