USMNT Watch: Plethora of Forwards Score in MLS, Guzan Stays on Bench

The group of United States men's national team forwards in Major League Soccer were busy this weekend, as four found the back of the net for their respective sides. 

It is safe to assume Clint Dempsey, who scored twice for Seattle against Columbus on Saturday, will partner Jozy Altidore at the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup if both are healthy. 

But the race for the final two or three forward spots is wide open at the moment. Three strikers continued to make their case in MLS, while another made his claim for a spot in Europe. 

The news at the goalkeeper position was not so bright, as Brad Guzan sat for the second consecutive match.

Below is a comprehensive recap of how the players in the USMNT talent pool performed over the last three days.

Forwards Score in Bunches in MLS

Dempsey's brace was the highlight of the weekend for USMNT players in MLS. The Seattle forward netted both of the Sounders' goals in their 3-2 defeat to the Columbus Crew. 

The USMNT captain curled his first goal into the left side of the net in the 24th minute, and he slotted in a rebound in the 75th minute.

Gyasi Zardes also provided his team with a goal in defeat on Saturday, nodding in the LA Galaxy's lone goal of the night in the 59th minute. The Galaxy fell 2-1 to FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium. 

Charlie Davies, who should receive a good amount of consideration for the Gold Cup roster, scored for the fourth straight game on Friday night. 

Davies took advantage of an Orlando City defensive error and placed his fourth goal of the season into the right side of the net. If he remains in form over the next month, Jurgen Klinsmann might be forced to select him for this summer's competition.

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The player who could be on the outside looking in if Davies receives a call-up is Chris Wondolowski, who scored San Jose's only goal in the 1-1 draw with Colorado at Dick's Sporting Goods Park on Friday night. 

Wondolowski used a clever bit of skill to get the ball to his feet before he coolly slid the ball into the bottom-right corner of the goal. 

Altidore has a chance to add to the solid weekend for USMNT forwards in MLS on Sunday, when Toronto FC hosts the Houston Dynamo.

Guzan Spends Another Week on the Bench 

Guzan spent his second week on the Aston Villa bench after his brutal day against Manchester City at the end of April. The current USMNT No. 1 goalkeeper watched the Villans defeat West Ham United 1-0 at Villa Park.

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Tim Howard conceded on two occasions in Everton's 2-0 loss at home to Sunderland. The Toffees, who have had a disappointing season, are currently in 11th place in the English Premier League table. 

Geoff Cameron started for Stoke City against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday. DeAndre Yedlin was once again on the bench for Spurs, but he did not play.

Johannsson Scores Golazo For AZ 

Aron Johannsson unleashed a wonderful game-winning strike in the 88th minute of AZ's 3-2 win over NAC Breda on Sunday. 

Johannsson handed AZ a major boost in the race for the European positions with his terrific strike from distance.

Elsewhere in the Eredivisie, Rubio Rubin featured in all 90 minutes of Utrecht's 2-2 draw with Excelsior. 

Chandler Scores Rare Goal 

Even Timmy Chandler got in on the scoring action this weekend, as he netted his first goal of the season for Eintracht Frankfurt. 

Chandler scored in the 34th minute of his side's 3-1 win over Hoffenheim on Saturday. The strike should hand the defender a good amount of confidence as he continues to fight for a Gold Cup roster spot with the likes of Yedlin and Fabian Johnson.

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Speaking of Johnson, he played 89 minutes for Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday, while John Brooks went the full 90 for Hertha Berlin.

Alfredo Morales' promotion chase was briefly halted on Sunday, as Ingolstadt fell 3-1 to Bochum. A victory in one of their last two matches would hand Ingolstadt a spot in next season's Bundesliga. 

Bobby Wood helped pull Erzgebirge Aue into 16th place on Saturday, as he contributed an assist on the club's first goal. Six teams are separated by five points in the 2. Bundesliga relegation battle at present. 

Orozco, Gomez Avoid Relegation with Puebla

Michael Orozco and Herculez Gomez both played in Puebla's 2-2 draw with Santos Laguna, which kept them in Liga MX. Orozco started the match, while Gomez entered with nine minutes left. 

Joe Corona was the only USMNT player in the Club Tijuana starting XI for the contest against Club Leon. Greg Garza sat out the match with an injury. Goalkeeper William Yarbrough did not feature for Leon. 

In a matchup of USMNT defenders, Ventura Alvarado's Club America took down Edgar Castillo's Atlas 2-1. Alvarado came off the bench in the second half, while Castillo played the entire match. 

News and Notes

USMNT U20 boss Tab Ramos selected his squad for the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup this week. One roster spot has been left open for Gedion Zelalem. If Zelalem's paperwork is not approved in time, Zach Pfeffer of the Philadelphia Union will join the squad. 

U20 defender Shaquell Moore signed with Spanish third-division side Huracan Valencia days after he was named to the World Cup squad.

Sebastian Lletget, who was previously at West Ham United, inked a deal with the LA Galaxy on Friday. If he finds some form over the next few months, he could be a part of the Olympic qualifying team this fall.

Follow Joe on Twitter, @JTansey90.