The Future of the US Men's National Team: Part Four

(Note: This is part four in a four part series examining the future of the US MNT.)

Finally, it’s time to evaluate the tip of the spear, America’s strikers. 

Jozy Altidore is a lock to make the team in 2014. The Haitian-born striker will take some heat for having not scored in South Africa, and this is not entirely unfounded. He should have found the back of the net in the first match of the tournament against England.  Altidore made a sparkling run, out-muscling Jamie Carragher and lashing a powerful shot that Robert Green deflected onto the post. 

Altidore was still a productive force during his time in South Africa—one has only to look at his critical controlling of a long-ball that he redirected to the streaking Michael Bradley to tie the game against Slovenia.  Altidore is rumored to be in the mix for a move to a Dutch side, though he may finally get his chance with his current Spanish owners Villareal. 

Joining Jozy will be America’s best goal hound and cult hero, Charlie Davies, also known as CD9 and Chuck Deezy.  Davies is fast and, above all else, knows how to put the ball in the back of the net.  One has to look at the goal that really put him on the scene, the first shot in the 3-0 victory over Egypt in the 2009 Confederations Cup, to see CD9’s nose for goal. The striker’s potential seemed limitless after scoring in Azteca against Mexico and securing a move to the top flight in France with Socheux. 

However, Davies was at the center of another day that will live in infamy in the hearts of the Yankee faithful—the crash outside of Washington DC that, statistically speaking, should have left Davies unable to play again at the very least. 

However, as the Yanks are becoming increasingly known for, Davies didn’t quit. He made what some are calling a comeback nothing short of miraculous.  He was perhaps as little as one week shy of being able to participate in the South African campaign.  

Davies' incredible recovery has put him so firmly in the hearts of American supporters that he even has his own t-shirt available on-line, with Davies caricatured to look like Superman and "Superman wears Charlie Davies underwear" written on it. 

Instead, the speedy New Hampshire native found himself with time to recuperate and get ready for the next campaign in the French league. 

Altidore and Davies complimented each other well in their limited on-field time together, and this has the looks of a stable forward line for the next several years.  Setting aside the on-field partnership, it’s obvious that Davies and Altidore share a very tight friendship—Altidore’s undershirt in the 2-2 draw at RFK Stadium to end the qualifying campaign spelled that out clearly.

Joining those two in Brazil are…who?  This is perhaps the weakest point in the American system—a lack of true goal scoring strikers.  Simply put, nobody has made a name for themselves as the “striker of the future” for the Yanks. 

Names that could rise to fill that role include NY Red Bulls attacker Juan Agudelo.  Agudelo had the talent in 2010 to attract attention from major South American club teams, and he will certainly look to continue to improve. 

Other names include Tristan Bowen, a young striker for LA Galaxy who has shown promise early in his career with the Galaxy.  Jack McInnerny and Stefan Jerome are both young players who could begin to blossom in the next few years.  Marcus Tracy is yet another young American beginning a career abroad.  Currently playing in the Danish league, Tracy was brought into the January 2010 MNT camp, but has yet to receive his first cap.

Last, and certainly not least, is a look at who will manage the Stars and Stripes.  It is entirely possible, though relatively unlikely, that Bob Bradley will remain in his post for another World Cup cycle.  Bradley coaxed an excellent display out of his Yanks and won over the players under his command.  Bob Bradley recently went on record as saying that he’d be “honored” to stay on as the national team’s coach. 

Whether Sunil Gulati, president of the United States Soccer Federation, wants to continue with Bradley is another matter entirely.  Gulati stated that he was not satisfied with the Yanks’ showing in South Africa, having seen a perfect opportunity to make a very deep run in the tournament nipped in the bud by the Black Stars of Ghana.  Talks between “Big Bob” and Gulati are expected to occur within the next month. 

The popular name to mention here is former German national team coach Jurgen Klinsmann.  Already living in the United States, he became a pundit for ESPN’s broadcasts during the South African campaign.  Already rumored to have been offered the position in 2006 and refusing, Klinsmann could continue the strong emphasis on strength and conditioning that allowed the US to become the cardiac kids while also bringing a great depth in tactical experience. 

Part of Klinsmann’s refusal stemmed from MLS’ unwillingness to release top players for the 2007 Copa America.  This is no longer a problem, however, as the US has not been invited to the 2011 installation of the prestigious tournament.  Essentially, Klinsmann would now have the free hand that he desired in 2006.  Klinsmann even appeared to lay out a plan of action while commentating for ESPN after the United States’ loss to Ghana, although this last bit could be pure coincidence.

Other names that could be examined for the head post may come within MLS, including current Seattle Sounders FC coach Sigi Schmid.  Schmid has had stints with UCLA, LA Galaxy, Columbus Crew, and the Sounders in his coaching career, stretching back to 1980.  Schmid was also an assistant on the 1994 World Cup coaching staff. 

The current Sounders manager is known as one of the best coaches in MLS.  Why is this relevant?  The same was said of Bob Bradley before his selection in 2006.  Another similarity between the two is the work ethic they exhibit in game preparation and player scouting.

Steve Nicol, another coach who has been in MLS long-term, cannot be overlooked, either.  Having been at the helm of New England Revolution since 2002, Nicol brings a wealth of experience to the table. 

Nicol’s playing career is legend in the British Isles.  Having played for his native Scotland 27 times, Nicol spent 14 years as part of a scintillating Liverpool squad.  Nicol’s experience as both a player and a manager have already served him well and could only be a positive for the national team.

Still more MLS coaching could be considered, such as Houston Dynamo’s Dominic Kinnear.  Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Kinnear moved to the United States and represented the Stars and Stripes a respectable 54 times, scoring nine times.  Kinnear’s time at the reigns in San Jose and Houston have brought excellent results—four trophies in six seasons. 

One caution on Kinnear can be seen by looking at how his teams perform during the course of a season.  His squads tend to start out slowly and build into contenders late in a season.  If this seems familiar, it should…the US frequently allowed goals in the beginning of matches throughout qualification and during the World Cup.

Now we find ourselves at the end of this in-depth analysis, which means that it’s time to tie everything together. 

What does the future of the MNT look like?  In short, it looks very strong.  Already the class of CONCACAF, the Yanks have managed to bring the sport, at least on an international level, to a height never before seen in the United States.  The interest in the team is enormous, and it will enjoy increased support.

The players available to whoever controls the national team moving forward will continue to improve in ability, that much is evident by the exciting class of players making a name for themselves at a young age.