USA vs. Venezuela: Brek Shea and USA's Most Captivating Players

The Jurgen Klinsmann Era hasn't necessarily gotten off to the start most Americans were hoping for. Stars such as Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan and Tim Howard are still overseas. The US Men's National Team has scored five goals in its last seven matches.

So, why in the name of American "football" would anyone want to watch this squad against Venezuela tomorrow night?

Young talent, that's why.

2014 will be likely the last World Cup for Dempsey, Donovan and maybe even Howard. The States need some new young guns to step up, and tomorrow night is a good stage to preview their stuff.

Don't Brek My Heart

Brek Shea is set to make his 10th national appearance, and while he's yet to score a goal, he's clearly a budding star for this team. He scored four goals in just 12 caps for the Under-20 team, so he obviously possesses a scoring ability.

Shea, who is mostly known for his size and strength, has so often provided tremendous pace and playmaking ability out of the midfield when the rest of the US squad has looked stagnant and slow. He's strong enough to drop back on defense, but his skills have forced a move to the wide-midfielder role.

He's America's Gareth Bale.

Shea is just 21, but the absence of Dempsey and Donovan mean he's almost a must-start in this one.

Juan More Goal

In 15 caps for the US, forward Juan Agudelo has only netted two goals. Still, he's just 19 years old and managed to appear in the second-most amount of matches last year for the U.S.

Agudelo has a fearless attacking spirit, and Americans are hoping he turns into what Jozy Altidore couldn't, and what USA so desperately needs: a consistent scorer.

Part of the reason his goal count is so low is because he continually gets left alone in the box with multiple defenders to deal with. If the Americans move forward a little more against Venezuela, the young Agudelo will benefit.

Sing Me a Sapong

MLS Rookie of the Year C.J. Sapong is set to make his first U.S appearance after scoring five goals for Sporting Kansas City, who drafted him 10th overall last year.

Sapong is a fairly old rookie at 23 years of age, and he might mostly be known for singing (kind of) to Hope Solo, but there's no doubt this kid is talented.

Sapong is big and physical in the box and possesses fantastic finishing ability. He comes in behind Agudelo and Teal Bunbury at forward, but he could make a lasting impact as a late sub.

Others to Watch

Teal Bunbury (F), Bill Hamid (G), Kyle Beckerman (M)