USA Men's Soccer: 5 Players Who Need More Playing Time

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 10: Head coach Jurgen Klinsmann of the United States talks with former player Thomas Dooley before the game against Mexico at Lincoln Financial Field on August 10, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Get

Klinsmann, pictured on the right, prepares for his debut as the U.S. men's head coach
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When Jurgen Kilnsmann was introduced as the new USA Men's National coach, American soccer fans knew what to expect.

The youth that wasn't utilized nearly enough under former coach Bob Bradley would now be front and center.

The strategy Bradley used—a sit-and-counterattack technique—would be changed to fit the mold of veteran players and younger athletes combining to attack from the start.

Ahead are five players that need more playing time if they are going to flourish for the USA Men's National Team.

Juan Agudelo

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The 18-year-old forward originally from Manizales, Cololmbia is proving to be one of the main reasons American soccer fans should be excited for Jurgen Klinsmann’s reign over the U.S. Men’s National Team.

Agudelo became the youngest player to ever score for the U.S. senior national team, scoring the winning goal in a friendly against South Africa. His explosiveness on the offensive end is reason alone to give the kid a shot.

The young forward was impressive as a sub in the Mexico-U.S. friendly August 10, showing great ball movement and energy as he helped to set up Robbie Rogers goal.

Robbie Rogers

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Speaking of Robbie Rogers, he was easily the player who provided the most impact on the pitch against Mexico.

The 24-year-old midfielder from Huntington Beach, California displayed incredible quickness on and off the ball, which led to his equalizing goal. A perfectly placed ball by Shea led to the slight tap-in by Rogers. But if not for his quickness beating his defender to the edge, there would have been no goal.

His late charge through the Mexican defense, saved by Gerardo Torrado’s dirty pull down, is reason enough to give the flourishing midfielder extra play time.

Brek Shea

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The flowing blond mullet-mohawk belongs to a 21-year-old budding star, Brek Shea.

The third of the big trio that jolted the Americans to a 1-1 tie against Mexico dominated the pitch upon his entrance at the 60th minute. Shea’s aggressiveness on the left wing allowed Landon Donovan more room to roam and eventually opened up the back side of the net for Robbie Rogers’ tap-in at the 73rd minute.

The young midfielder could use more substantial playing time, especially in the U.S. friendlies over the next month.

Kyle Beckerman

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Kyle Beckerman made only his twelfth appearance for the U.S. Men’s National Team in their match against Mexico.

The dread-locked midfielder’s presence on the pitch allowed the American men to control the ball throughout the second half and seemed to mesh well with the speedy style of Brek Shea.

Beckerman’s presence on the pitch, matched with the aggressive tendencies of new coach Jurgen Klinsmann, could offer a better utilization of his talents.

Michael Orozco

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The 25-year-old defender, Michael Orozco, beat out Tim Ream for a spot in the starting lineup and offers an even keel, do-what-he-needs-to-do style of play.

Orozco debuted with the U.S. National Team in 2008 and played the full 90 minutes in the friendly against Mexico August 10.

The hard-nosed defender could use the friendly matches to continue to fine-tune his abilities after starting all three games for the U.S. team in the 2008 Olympics.