5 Storylines to Watch During the USMNT's September Friendlies
With the Confederations Cup playoff against Mexico looming, the U.S. men's national team has very little time left to prepare for this crucial match on October 10.
Head coach Jurgen Klinsmann has a plan in mind for these final tuneups, per the official U.S. Soccer website:
"The bigger picture is to get some answers for how we put things together for the Mexico game a month from now. Obviously we want to continue to have a good flow of guys from the Gold Cup, but also to bring back guys who are in position to compete for a spot on the roster for Oct. 10. Our message to these guys is simple: prove a point that you want to be at the Rose Bowl.
"
The squad that will face Peru and Brazil didn't present too many surprises. However, a few familiar faces are back in the fold. Veteran goalkeeper Tim Howard, center back Matt Besler, defender Geoff Cameron and midfielder Jermaine Jones were all added.
Klinsmann has plenty of options, and USMNT fans should get a better idea of how the team will look versus Mexico.
Here are the five storylines to watch during the Peru and Brazil friendlies.
How Much Action Will Andrew Wooten See?
1 of 5
SV Sandhausen striker Andrew Wooten is the only new player on the U.S. roster. The 25-year-old has enjoyed a hot start in the 2. Bundesliga with five goals in five games.
Clint Dempsey will miss the Peru game, so Wooten could be capped on Friday versus La Blanquirroja. However, Jozy Altidore, Aron Johannsson, Gyasi Zardes and Bobby Wood deserve some minutes as well.
Dempsey has scored nine goals with the USMNT in 2015. It's a positive to have a player who is in form, but if the Seattle Sounders forward is contained, the offense dries up.
Wooten gives head coach Jurgen Klinsmann another potential option at forward. Altidore and Johannsson are also playing well as of late, so this competition should make a difference entering the Mexico match.
Change in Formation?
2 of 5
Michael Bradley will also be missing the first game against Peru. Like Clint Dempsey, Bradley will be available to face Brazil four days later.
However, head coach Jurgen Klinsmann may have to tinker with his formation without the Toronto FC midfielder on Friday.
Danny Williams and Mix Diskerud could play in a more advanced role, but neither would be comfortable. Klinsmann could benefit by moving away from a diamond midfield in a 4-4-2 formation.
Gyasi Zardes could start alongside one of Aron Johannsson and Jozy Altidore. Zardes was paired with Robbie Keane last season for the LA Galaxy and thrived beside him. The 24-year-old scored 16 goals, more than any other American.
Peru will likely field a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-4-2 hybrid. La Blanquirroja love to counterattack and expose the flanks with their pace. Klinsmann may have to plan accordingly without Dempsey and Bradley.
How Will the Defense Line Up?
3 of 5
The inclusions of Matt Besler and Geoff Cameron, Klinsmann's preferred pairing at the 2014 World Cup, indicates that he wants experienced players for the Confederations Cup playoff.
However, Ventura Alvarado and John Brooks have been Klinsmann's first-choice center backs in 2015.
Alvarado has started just 11 games for Club America, and Brooks was in the Hertha Berlin lineup for the first time this season on Sunday against Borussia Dortmund. They also struggled at the Gold Cup.
Klinsmann has stated, per Andrew Wiebe of MLSsoccer.com, that he wants his young center backs to play in high-pressure situations. Now it's a different story following the disaster at the Gold Cup. Pressure is growing on Klinsmann, and he needs to deliver against Mexico on October 10. He certainly has a wealth of options, though.
Klinsmann also has yet another conundrum at full-back. Timothy Chandler, Fabian Johnson and DaMarcus Beasley are hurt, which has thinned out the depth.
The German tactician revealed that Beasley and Johnson are his first-choice full-backs, per Goal.com's Thomas Floyd. ESPN FC's Doug McIntyre tweeted who will likely be competing for spots.
Thankfully for Klinsmann, Beasley should be fit by the time October 10 rolls around. What's unknown is when Chandler and Johnson will be fit. The U.S. coach may have another selection headache next month.
The Midfield
4 of 5
Michael Bradley's absence on Friday will give other midfielders an opportunity to shine against Peru.
Alejandro Bedoya, Jermaine Jones, Mix Diskerud, Alfredo Morales, Joe Corona and Danny Williams are all fighting to earn a start over the next few days.
Diskerud's inclusion makes little sense given his mediocre form for New York City FC this season. Jermaine Jones recently returned from an injury, so Jurgen Klinsmann has to be careful.
Jones could still start, but it would be smart to replace him after 60 or 70 minutes. Bedoya is one of the USMNT's best midfielders, so he'll be a favorite to be in the lineup. Corona could be in contention as well, but Morales is the most deserving of a chance.
Morales has been excellent for newly promoted Ingolstadt in the Bundesliga this season. He's started all three games and earned his first assist in the opening match of the campaign, a 1-0 win versus Mainz.
American Soccer Now's profile on Morales explains why Klinsmann is so high on the 25-year-old. He's a clever dribbler, but he's also a tenacious player.
Starting Morales would also allow him to play against his father's homeland in Peru.
The Battle for the No. 1 Shirt
5 of 5
Jurgen Klinsmann named Brad Guzan as his No. 1 goalkeeper and Tim Howard the backup, per FOX Soccer's Kyle McCarthy.
Sports Illustrated's Brian Straus then reported that Klinsmann will start Guzan against Mexico.
Guzan has been very impressive during Howard's sabbatical from the USMNT. The Aston Villa shot-stopper earned his starting spot and deserved the nod in these two friendlies.
This may be the fiercest competition in the U.S. camp. It's also a win-win situation. Klinsmann can choose either goalkeeper, and there won't be a drop in quality.
Since Guzan has won his spot, it will be interesting to see how he performs from now until October 10 with Howard waiting in the wings. One mistake could put pressure on the 30-year-old.
Peter Galindo covers MLS and U.S. soccer for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter @GalindoPW.
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
