US Olympic Soccer Team Named

Head coach Peter Nowak has named his squad for the upcoming Beijing Olympics, and it is the strongest US Olympic squad in history.

There were some issues with selection, as the Olympics overlap with World Cup Qualifying, but Nowak was able to assemble a good group of talent.

The team will be led by three European-based players: Jozy Altidore (Villareal), Freddy Adu (Benfica) and Michael Bradley (SC Heerenveen). All three players have experience at the full international level and should prove very effective against the other countries at the Olympics.

The Olympics are contested by U-23 squads, but each team is allowed three players that exceed the age limit. The US is bringing goalkeeper Brad Guzan, defender Michael Parkhurst and 36-year old striker Brian McBride.

McBride has played in three World Cups and is a veteran of the English Premier League, though he is currently without a team.

One notable exclusion from the team is Landon Donovan. Many expected him to be called up, but LA Galaxy coach Ruud Gullit said that a call-up would not be in the best interest of the Galaxy.

"In August, we get all kinds of international games," Gullit told ESPN.com. "It wouldn't be a wise decision to let him go [to both]."

The Olympic semi finals take place on Aug. 19, and the US takes on Guatemala in a World Cup qualifier on Aug. 20. The US opens Olympic competition on Aug. 7 against Japan.

US Roster:

Goalkeepers: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Chris Seitz (Real Salt Lake)

Defenders: Patrick Ianni (Houston Dynamo), Michael Orozco (San Luis), Michael Parkurst (New England Revolution), Nathan Sturgis (Real Salt Lake), Marvel Wynne (Toronto FC)

Midfielders: Freddy Adu (SL Benfica), Michael Bradley (SC Heerenveen), Maurice Edu (Toronto FC), Benny Feilhaber (Derby County), Stuart Holden (Houston Dynamo), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Danny Szetela (Brescia Calcio)

Forwards: Jozy Altidore (Villareal), Charlie Davies (Hammarby IF), Brian McBride (No club), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew)