The United States Men's National Team face friendlies against both Ecuador and Honduras over the upcoming international break, and Landon Donovan will make his final appearance for the United States. The man from Southern California has been the greatest player in the history of the USMNT. From his goal against Mexico at the 2002 FIFA World Cup to his goal against Algeria in the 2010 FIFA World Cup to his goal against Mexico in 2013 to send the USMNT to Brazil, Donovan has been the man for the last twelve years. Although not on the roster for Brazil 2014, what Donovan has done for the USMNT, MLS and the sport in this country in general is incredible.
But these two matches will not be all about Donovan. They will provide an important marker for manager Jurgen Klinsmann heading into the Gold Cup in the summer of 2015 and World Cup Qualifying beyond. After these matches, the national team will have only more match in 2014; on November 18th when they travel to Dublin to take on the Irish.
Given that MLS is in the midst of its stretch run to the playoffs, expect few players from the domestic league in this squad. While these two friendlies are being played in the United States, MLS will be undergoing their 3rd to last match-week of the season. If any of the usual suspects are to be called in, expect it to be a name like Sean Johnson. The Fire goalkeeper has been in good form and Chicago is all but out of the playoff race in the Eastern Conference.
Without further ado, your projected roster:
Goalkeepers (3): Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Sean Johnson (Chicago Fire), Cody Cropper (Southampton)
Defenders (9): John Brooks (Hertha Berlin), Fabian Johnson (Borussia Moenchengladbach), Timmy Chandler (Eintracht Frankfurt), Greg Garza (Club Tijuana), Michael Orozco (Puebla), Tim Ream (Bolton), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City), Jonathan Spector (Birmingham City), Zak Whitbread (Derby County)
Midfielders (7): Miguel Ibarra (Minnesota United), Joe Corona (Club Tijuana), Emerson Hyndman (Fulham), Julian Green (Hamburg), Alejandro Bedoya (Nantes), Mix Diskerud (Rosenborg), Brek Shea (Birmingham City)
Forwards (4): Joe Gyau (Borussia Dortmund), Aron Johannsson (AZ Alkmaar), Jozy Altidore (Sunderland), Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy)
It should be reinforced that these predictions are dependent on Klinsmann not picking many MLS players due to the fact that they are in their stretch run to the playoffs and most USMNT regulars in MLS are in sides that are competing for playoff spots right now. This projection may also change if players like Geoff Cameron and Aron Johannsson, coming off of injuries, cannot make the squad.
In terms of somewhat surprising call-ups, don't be surprised to see Joe Gyau pick up another cap. The youngster was monstrously impressive in the win over the Czech Republic and made his Bundesliga debut for Borussia Dortmund last week coming in as a substitute in their 2-2 draw with Stuttgart.
Also don't be too surprised by defender Zak Whitbread. The youngster from Derby County made a surprise start a week and a half ago and impressed, earning rave reviews in the British tabloids.
And finally, don't be shocked by Miguel Ibarra. The youngster has been outstanding for Minnesota United this season in NASL with eight goals and five assists, and has especially surged into great form in the last several weeks. Ibarra would be the first NASL player selected for the USMNT in nearly 10 years.
While these upcoming friendlies will be mostly about the Landon Donovan farewell tour, they will also provide us with a glimpse into Jurgen Klinsmann's thinking at this point in time. Check back with VAVEL USA for the latest on the USMNT.