USA vs. Italy: Brek Shea and Americans Who Must Make Most of Big Opportunity

While many of the usual suspects will be in the lineup when the United States men's soccer team takes on Italy in an international friendly Wednesday, there figures to be several young players who will get a shot to impress as well. The Americans are dealing with some injuries, so there will certainly be some unfamiliar faces.

The core group of American players is aging and with the World Cup a few years away, there is plenty that can change between now and then. A strong performance against a world power like Italy could most definitely put some lesser-known players on head coach Jurgen Klinsmann's radar.

Here are three players who must make the most of the big opportunity they are being handed against the Italians.

Brek Shea

Touted as one of the brightest young stars in American soccer, midfielder Brek Shea has yet to make the major impact many have hoped for. At 6'3" Shea is a big, physical player with offensive ability, so it seems like it's only a matter of time before he settles in. He was a late addition to the squad to play against Italy, and since the United States has gone to the trouble of flying him out with the team, it seems likely that he will get a chance to start.

Shea has earned 10 appearances with the USA's senior squad, and while he has had his moments, he has yet to make a discernible impact. With Landon Donovan on the shelf due to bronchitis, Shea may get the opportunity to have some creative license as an attacking winger. If he decides to play without fear and simply goes for it, then he can do a lot for the advancement of his career.

Fabian Johnson

Although Fabian Johnson may not be the most explosive or promising player the United States has to offer, he has a great chance to impress on Wednesday. Since the German-American Johnson decided to play for the United States full time, he has made two appearances with the national team, but he has played sparingly. It seems quite likely that he will earn his second career start for the US in its match against Italy, though.

The biggest thing working in Johnson's favor is his versatility. He plays a good two-way game and he is capable of playing either midfielder or left back. With so many players banged up, that could certainly come in handy. Johnson isn't likely to blow anyone away, but provided he plays steady and smart soccer, he'll remain in the mix moving forward.

Danny Williams

In a lot of ways, Danny Williams is like a slightly younger version of Fabian Johnson. Not only are they both German-American, but they are both able to play as midfielders or defenders, and they play club soccer together at Hoffenheim. Since they are almost mirror images of each other, it's likely that there is only room for one of them with USA soccer over the long term.

It's unclear if one, both or neither of them will start against Italy, but they figure to get in the game at some juncture. Williams is about two years younger so he may have a bit more potential at this point, but Johnson is probably a little more polished. Williams would like to differentiate himself from Johnson and vice versa, so look for both players to make the most of whatever chances they get.