United States Substitutes Ready To Prove Themselves

The United States Nation Team Starting XI to face Mexico this evening is almost a foregone conclusion. The Americans are expected to secure three points against a Mexican squad struggling to gain top form. A few fringe players will be waiting to take the pitch if those in front of them can't accomplish the task at hand.

Jose Francisco Torres

The Pachuca midfielder turned many heads last October when he announced his intent to play for the U.S. national team. Only 21 years old and earning quality minutes for his club, Torres has given national team coach Bob Bradley a more proven commodity than Freddy Adu. The left footed Torres can play in the center of midfield and even on the left wing. Tonight he will be given a chance to compete against the country that didn't bother to recruit him. How's that for motivation?

Jozy Altidore

Altidore recently went on loan to Spanish Second Division leaders Deportivo Xerez and can campaign for minutes tonight with a strong showing against Mexico. Altidore has already shown the fruits of his labor while spending time in Spain. Altidore's willingness to draw defenders to the flanks can open up the attacking third for Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey. If Brian Ching struggles to do the job assigned by Bob Bradley—El Toro as he is called in Spain—will generate excitement in the stands of Crew Stadium. Altidore's long awaited coronation can take a major step toward becoming a reality.

Ricardo Clark

Clark is easily forgotten when discussing defensive midfielders on the national team. Sacha Kljestan's hat trick against Sweden and Michael Bradley's seemingly permanent spot in the midfield have pushed him in to a bit of obscurity. His athletic ability and defensive tenacity could be needed against El Tri. Michael Bradley has drawn unnecessary fouls late in games and Kljestan showed mental lapses during last year's qualification round. Bob Bradley will not tolerate defensive mistakes against the United States' biggest rival.

Marvell Wynne

Wynne is the prime example of what players can be when America's finest athletes commit to soccer. Wynne lacks experience on the international stage and does not possess a great deal of technical ability. What he lacks in technicality or experience, he makes up for with athleticism. Wynne overpowers attackers with his brute strength and has astonishing speed. Frankie Hejduk will earn the start ahead of Wynne at right back, but Hejduk is a very volatile player on the pitch. If he draws a card tonight, Wynne will be ready to stake a claim on the back line.