Klinsman Names Squad For Mexico Friendly.
Jurgen Klinsmann has released his roster for the U.S. National Team that will travel to Mexico City for Wednesday’s international friendly at Azteca Stadium.
Though August 15 is an international date on FIFA’s calendar, it comes at an inopportune time for European based players who have either just begun, or are about to begin their seasons. Because of this, Klinsmann made some unexpected decisions for his roster.
Kickoff is set for 8:00 pm ET, and the game will be televised live on ESPN2, ESPN3 and Univision.
The roster contains plenty of players from Major League Soccer and Mexico, as well as a smattering of the usual choices from Europe. However, not able to choose all of his first choice talent he has brought in some more inexperienced players to fill the gaps.
Graham Zusi has been shining for Sporting Kansas City, and his two caps in January showed promise to be built upon. His teammate Matt Besler has received his first call up to a National Team roster, after performing very well in MLS this season. Last year, he was named Sporting Kansas City’s Defender of the Year.
In addition to Besler, Steven Beitashour has received his first National Team call up, joining his teammate Chris Wondolowski in representing the San Jose Earthquakes in Mexico City.
Players not selected included Clint Dempsey, Caros Bocanegra and Steve Churundolo. FC Dallas midfielder Brek Shea received a call after being left off of national team rosters after the U.S. U-23 elimination from the CONCACAF Olympic qualifer earlier in the year.
Nine players selected by Klinsmann play in MLS and six play in Mexico. Players in the Mexican league include defenders Edgar Castillo and Michael Orozco, midfieldes DaMarcus Beasley, Joe Corona and Jose Torres, and striker Hercules Gomez.
Roster by position:
Goalkeepers: Howard, Tim (Everton)
Johnson, Sean (Chicago Fire)
Rimando, Nick (Real Salt Lake)
Defenders: Beitashour, Steven (San Jose Earthquakes)
Besler, Matt (Sporting Kansas City)
Cameron, Geoff (Stoke City)
Castillo, Edgar (Tijuana)
Johnson, Fabian (Hoffenheim)
Orozco, Michael (San Luis)
Midfielders: Beasley, DaMarcus (Puebla)
Beckerman, Kyle (Real Salt Lake)
Corona, Joe (Tijuana)
Edu, Maurice (Rangers)
Jones, Jermaine (Schalke 04)
Shea, Break (FC Dallas)
Torres, Jose Francisco (Pachuca)
Williams, Danny (Hoffenheim)
Zusi, Graham (Sporting Kansas City)
Forwards: Boyd, Terrence (Rapid Vienna)
Donovan, Landon (LA Galaxy)Gomez, Herculez (Santos Laguna)
Wondolowski, Chris (San Jose Earthquakes)