United States Olympic Football Team: Why This Squad is Poised to Make Some Noise

The United States Football team finds itself in an unfamiliar position as it heads to Beijing for the 2008 Olympic Games.

The national team failed to even qualify for the games held in Athens four years ago; let alone challenge for a medal as this team is poised to do.

The International Olympic Committee has mandated that every country send their Under-23 National squad, but are allowed to select three over-age players to join the rest of the squad.

The United States will send Keeper Brad Guzan, Michael Parkhurst, and legendary American striker Brian McBride. This will most likely be McBride’s last international go-round and fans of the squad are hoping for one last hurrah.

McBride will form a striking partnership with Jozy Altidore. The talented and extremely young striker recently made the move to Spanish club Villareal. He is half McBride’s age but even more his junior in terms of national team experience.

McBride seems to have been handed the title of “Old Wise Man” with this team and hopefully he fully accepts it. His advice both on and off the pitch could do loads for these talented youngsters as they step on to one of the largest of international stages.

Freddy Adu figures to be the center of attention. His transfer to AS Monaco did nothing but increase his already booming popularity. Fans of Monaco have a great chance to see the talent they recently acquired. Adu has been quoted as saying his fitness and free kick accuracy have been major training points this past year in Portugal.

He figures to be placed behind McBride and Altidore – with much room to work with as he will likely be given free reign to orchestrate this offense. He looks to work the entire field as his on the ball skills are equaled by no one else on this squad.

The United States midfield is one of the strongest it has ever fielded. Michael Bradley and Maurice Edu have multiple Senior National Team appearances under their belt and will most likely alternate at the “holding” midfielder of the squad. This could be the most important position as international soccer success relies heavily on maintaining possession.

Keeper Brad Guzan could be the break-out star of the games. His recent transfer to English side Aston Villa shows that the club has high hopes for the 23 year old. His performance could be his much needed break out from behind Tim Howard’s shadow.

All in all, this is easily one of the most talented squads the United States has sent to the Olympic Games. Chemistry, possession, and the ability to finish will be key factors for each team in Beijing. The United States seems to have put the right mix together to accomplish all three goals.