Picking the Strongest U.S. Team to Beat Jamaica in World Cup Qualifier

The United States will travel to Kingston, Jamaica, on September 7th for a World Cup qualifying match.

The U.S. and Jamaica are tied atop their group with four points.

Following the announcement of the roster for the trip, head coach Jurgen Klinsmann told the press:

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We want to do well and we want to get maximum points if possible. We're trying to get the players focused on going into Jamaica for the Friday night game and hopefully pull off a victory on Jamaican soil.

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The match will be televised live on beIN SPORT at 8 p.m. ET. Check your local listings for channel information.

Let's look at the strongest team the U.S. can put on the pitch for the qualifying match under a 4-4-2 formation.

Goalkeeper

Player Pool: Brad Guzan, Tim Howard, Sean Johnson, Nick Rimando

I am going to make a leap with this pick and say that Tim Howard will be the best option between the posts.

I know, it is a gamble.

Sarcasm aside, we all know that Howard is the best option to put on the gloves for any U.S. match. He is one of the best keepers in all of soccer, and one of the greatest of all time for the U.S.

While Jamaica may not be powerhouse team, it is still necessary to have Howard out there. If things are wrapped up by halftime, the U.S. can make a substitution and rest him before the September 11th meeting in Columbus, Ohio.

Defense

Player Pool: Carlos Bocanegra, Geoff Cameron, Steve Cherundolo, Clarence Goodson, Michael Orozco Fiscal, Michael Parkhurst and Jonathan Spector

Carlos Bocanegra and Steve Cherundolo are two obvious choices to assist Tim Howard. Bocanegra is a long-time captain of the national team. Not having him out there would be a mistake. He is the only member of the roster with more than 100 caps.

Cherundolo is another veteran of the back line. He will get his 85th cap in Kingston.

The other two choices were more difficult. Jonathan Spector would be a solid addition to the starting lineup.

The fourth and final spot should go to Geoff Cameron. The 6'3", 185-pound defender is a physical presence on the pitch. If the U.S. wants to continue upping its physicality, Cameron would be a good choice.

Midfield

Player Pool: Kyle Beckerman, Joe Corona, Clint Dempsey, Maurice Edu, Fabian Johnson, Jermaine Jones, Brek Shea, Jose Torres, Danny Williams and Graham Zusi.

Clint Dempsey, Maurice Edu and Fabian Johnson will no doubt be in the starting lineup for the match. With no Michael Bradley in the pool for the qualifier roster, there is an open spot to be had.

Brek Shea performed well when he entered the game against Mexico and could be a future star for the national team, but Jermaine Jones should get the start in Kingston.

It will be interesting to see who Klinsmann sends in to start the match against Jamaica, but I would have to side with Jones on this occasion.

Forwards

Player Pool: Jozy Altidore, Terrence Boyd and Herculez Gomez.

There will be no Landon Donovan in Kingston. The U.S. will only bring three strikers to Kingston for the qualifying bout. Terrence Boyd will probably be the one left on the pine.

Jozy Altidore will continue to grow in his role and blossom into one of the premier players for the U.S. national team. He needs to be the playmaker.

Under Klinsmann's watchful eye, Herculez Gomez has performed well in his stint with the team. In 14 caps, he has found the back of the net four times, and he can add to that total in Kingston. Gomez has stepped up his game over the past year and has been a pleasant surprise.

With Donovan not on the roster, it is a good time for Altidore and Gomez to take the reigns and prove themselves with an impressive showing.