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Bradley’s Bunch: Getting the Results
Six points will help U.S. fans be a little less anxious, but the one thing that is still undetermined is who will be traveling to South Africa next summer. Max Zeger examines the changing landscape of the World Cup Roster to give us a better idea. Who’s on the plane? Who’s off?
Sep 10, 2009 5:58:42 PM
By Max Zeger
Two matches and six points is exactly what the doctor ordered. While the matches were close and the results in question until the final whistle, every United States supporter can breathe a deep sigh of relief. The U.S. is in good position to qualify for the World Cup. With that aside, it is time to figure out who will be heading to South Africa.
The rankings go from most likely to have a seat on the plane to least likely.
Naturally, since there are only twenty-three spots, the top twenty-three will comprise the squad. Everybody after that is not in the top 23 and is on the outside looking in. For the purpose of creating a balanced squad, I will be selecting 3 ‘keepers, 8 defenders, 8 midfielders, and 4 forwards in the first 23. The number in parentheses is the player’s rank in the previous edition of Bradley’s Bunch.
Since Edgar Castillo has officially gained eligibility to represent the U.S., he will be on the list. Jermaine Jones, who is still waiting for FIFA clearance to switch nationalities will not be listed.
The Bunch
1. (1) Tim Howard—Howard always seems to come up with the big saves. He preserved both victories with stops in the closing minutes and will certainly be making the trip to South Africa.
2. (2) Landon Donovan—It’s hard to argue with stats, and Donovan has an impressive one to boast. He’s assisted on the last four U.S. goals going all the way back to the game in Azteca. Bob Bradley won’t want to miss out on that next summer.
3. (3) Oguchi Onyewu—The real mark of a player’s importance is how things go when he’s not around. The U.S. backline was shaky against El Salvador, and when Onyewu returned, the backline kept its first clean sheet on the road in the Hex.
4. (4) Clint Dempsey—His strike rate his impressive for a midfielder, but he simply doesn’t play up to his abilities for the national team. Time and again, Dempsey gives up possession and wastes chances in front of goal. His goal against El Salvador was well taken, but he missed a number of other good chances as well. Despite his inconsistency, Dempsey should book his ticket for next year.
5. (8) Charlie Davies—His form in Europe has been eyeopening, and he’s constantly threatening with his speed for the national team. Davies has played his way from a fringe player all the way up to an automatic starter. He’s sure to see starts in South Africa if he keeps up his current form.
6. (7) Brad Guzan—He’s an understudy to one of the best in the business, and isn’t seeing any pressure from either Troy Perkins or Marcus Hanhemann. He’s as good as a lock to be the backup next summer.
7. (6) Michael Bradley—Bradley hasn’t had the greatest month. He was taken off at halftime for Monchengladbach, and left off the game day roster the next week as some sort of punishment. His two performances against El Salvador and Trinidad & Tobago were somewhat shaky, but we all know what he’s capable of. His late runs into the box are useful, and he’s sure to make the cut.
8. (5) Carlos Bocanegra—Captain America has returned to central defense in the absence of Jay DeMerit, and he was a little off-step at times. Cornell Glen’s shot that hit the crossbar was purely Bocanegra’s fault. Despite two less than stellar performances, he did help the U.S. to two victories, and Bradley won’t leave his captain off the roster.
9. (10) Josmer Altidore—Jozy will be pleased with his performances in these two qualifiers as he nabbed the vital winner against El Salvador. His club situation is looking good as well. Altidore is powerful and dynamic, skills no other U.S. forward possesses. Bradley won’t want to miss them next summer either.
10. (9) Jonathan Spector—He’s finally getting regular playing time at West Ham, and he looks tidy and sharp for the U.S. His crossing ability is top class and Bradley will want Spector at his disposal in the upcoming World Cup.
11. (12) Benny Feilhaber—Feilhaber grabbed a rare start against El Salvador because of his offensive capabilities and acquitted himself well. He will still usually start off the bench, but even if he isn’t getting minutes with the national team, his torrid club form will keep him in the picture.
12. (11) Jay DeMerit—It’s unfortunate he couldn’t overcome his injuries in time to play in either qualifiers, but DeMerit will likely remain a starter when healthy until Edgar Castillo gets a look.
13. (15) Ricardo Clark—Clark has his detractors. He’s too defensive, he’s not a good enough passer, or he offers little going forward. Clark answered some of his critics with the winner on a 25-yard blast in Port of Spain. If he can improve on some of his weaknesses, he could lock down a starting spot.
14. (13) Stuart Holden—Holden is quickly gaining the role of super sub having almost set up goals in the last three qualifiers with curling crosses. He’s an asset to the team because of his versatility as well. A couple more solid performances would earn him a ticket to South Africa.
15. (14) Maurice Edu—Some will scoff at Edu’s high rating, but once he’s healthy again, he should slide back into the midfield of a Champions League side. No other U.S. midfielder can say that. Edu’s return, which is expected soon, can only be a boost to the side.
16. (17) Steve Cherundolo—Jonathan Spector was preferred to Cherundolo in the past two matches, but with no serious competition from behind, Cherundolo’s seat looks safe for now.
17. (16) Brian Ching—Bradley loves him, most U.S. fans don’t. That’s the Brian Ching story, but, as long as Bradley is picking the squad, Ching will be present. An appearance next summer in South Africa is pretty certain.
18. (18) Chad Marshall—He wasn’t bad against El Salvador considering he hadn’t featured in World Cup Qualifying up until that point. He’s certainly still the third or fourth choice center back, but he seems pretty secure in that role, which will likely earn him a spot on the team.
19. (21) Jose Torres—He had a brief cameo in the El Salvador match that culminated in a beautiful snap header that was miraculously saved by the ‘keeper. He has a unique skill set that Bradley will want at his disposal in 2010.
20. (NA) Edgar Castillo—He’s never represented the U.S., but the situation at left back is dire. He may get a call up for the next two qualifiers, which would give Bradley a chance to evaluate his abilities. Castillo is far from a lock for next summer, but everybody who plays left back plays themselves in contention, so why not?
21. (30) Kenny Cooper—He wasn’t called into this squad, but he is in good form and the race to be the last forward is wide open. If he can continue to score goals, he has a good shot of getting on the roster.
22. (22) Troy Perkins—Perkins has one man to beat: Marcus Hahnemann. Hahnemann isn’t playing right now, and until he does, Perkins will make the team as the third ‘keeper.
23. (23) Heath Pearce—His move to Turkey broke down, which is a big blow against him. If he can find steady playing time though, he should be able to make the roster as the last defender.
On the outside looking in…
24. (24) Freddy Adu—The conundrum of conundrums. He’s got the skill and now that he’s at Beleneses, hopefully for U.S. supporters, he can unleash it. If he can pull together a good season, he will make the World Cup roster.
25. (NA) Clarence Goodson—At this point, he's the last defender left off the team. It’s tough to see him bumping off anybody in front of him, but if there’s an injury, Goodson looks set to step in.
26. (25) Damarcus Beasley—He needs to play. It’s that simple. If he doesn’t start playing for Rangers, he will not make the World Cup Roster.
27. (19) Conor Casey—He scores in droves in MLS but can’t seem to translate that to the international game. It will be an interesting race between Casey and Cooper for the final forward spot.
28. (NA) Robbie Rogers—He made the most recent qualifying roster, which was encouraging, but Rogers still has work to do. He needs to be consistent and improve his crossing if he wants to journey to South Africa next summer.
29. (27) Sacha Kljestan—He needs to find his form for Chivas if he has any hope of making the World Cup Roster.
30. (26) Marcus Hahnemann—Many thought he would be starting at Wolves, but if he remains on the bench, he has very little chance of making the cut.
31. (NA) Eddie Johnson—Johnson was omitted from the previous edition, but since he is seeing the bench now for Fulham, he remains in the picture, but will need to find goals if he wants to go next summer.
32. (28) Frankie Hejduk—He’s fallen so far since scoring the equalizer in El Salvador. He needs some luck to make the roster with the solid form of both Spector and Cherundolo.
33. (NA) Michael Parkhurst—It’s really hard to see how Parkhurst makes the squad. Passing Goodson is a possibility, but getting past Marshall may prove difficult.
34. (20) Jonathan Bornstein—He has played himself so far out of the picture, he may never get back. Two horrendous performances won’t help his prospects.
35. (NA) Marvell Wynne—Many thought Wynne would be the answer at right back, but he has since fallen to fourth on the depth chart. It’s tough to see any path forward for him.
Max Zeger is a Goal.com contributor. Bradley’s Bunch is updated on a monthly basis. You can follow Max Zeger on twitter @mcmz403.
If you follow the U.S. Men's National Team, you'll love the dedicated page on Goal.com
Two matches and six points is exactly what the doctor ordered. While the matches were close and the results in question until the final whistle, every United States supporter can breathe a deep sigh of relief. The U.S. is in good position to qualify for the World Cup. With that aside, it is time to figure out who will be heading to South Africa.
The rankings go from most likely to have a seat on the plane to least likely.
Naturally, since there are only twenty-three spots, the top twenty-three will comprise the squad. Everybody after that is not in the top 23 and is on the outside looking in. For the purpose of creating a balanced squad, I will be selecting 3 ‘keepers, 8 defenders, 8 midfielders, and 4 forwards in the first 23. The number in parentheses is the player’s rank in the previous edition of Bradley’s Bunch.
Since Edgar Castillo has officially gained eligibility to represent the U.S., he will be on the list. Jermaine Jones, who is still waiting for FIFA clearance to switch nationalities will not be listed.
The Bunch
1. (1) Tim Howard—Howard always seems to come up with the big saves. He preserved both victories with stops in the closing minutes and will certainly be making the trip to South Africa.
2. (2) Landon Donovan—It’s hard to argue with stats, and Donovan has an impressive one to boast. He’s assisted on the last four U.S. goals going all the way back to the game in Azteca. Bob Bradley won’t want to miss out on that next summer.
3. (3) Oguchi Onyewu—The real mark of a player’s importance is how things go when he’s not around. The U.S. backline was shaky against El Salvador, and when Onyewu returned, the backline kept its first clean sheet on the road in the Hex.
4. (4) Clint Dempsey—His strike rate his impressive for a midfielder, but he simply doesn’t play up to his abilities for the national team. Time and again, Dempsey gives up possession and wastes chances in front of goal. His goal against El Salvador was well taken, but he missed a number of other good chances as well. Despite his inconsistency, Dempsey should book his ticket for next year.
5. (8) Charlie Davies—His form in Europe has been eyeopening, and he’s constantly threatening with his speed for the national team. Davies has played his way from a fringe player all the way up to an automatic starter. He’s sure to see starts in South Africa if he keeps up his current form.
6. (7) Brad Guzan—He’s an understudy to one of the best in the business, and isn’t seeing any pressure from either Troy Perkins or Marcus Hanhemann. He’s as good as a lock to be the backup next summer.
7. (6) Michael Bradley—Bradley hasn’t had the greatest month. He was taken off at halftime for Monchengladbach, and left off the game day roster the next week as some sort of punishment. His two performances against El Salvador and Trinidad & Tobago were somewhat shaky, but we all know what he’s capable of. His late runs into the box are useful, and he’s sure to make the cut.
8. (5) Carlos Bocanegra—Captain America has returned to central defense in the absence of Jay DeMerit, and he was a little off-step at times. Cornell Glen’s shot that hit the crossbar was purely Bocanegra’s fault. Despite two less than stellar performances, he did help the U.S. to two victories, and Bradley won’t leave his captain off the roster.
9. (10) Josmer Altidore—Jozy will be pleased with his performances in these two qualifiers as he nabbed the vital winner against El Salvador. His club situation is looking good as well. Altidore is powerful and dynamic, skills no other U.S. forward possesses. Bradley won’t want to miss them next summer either.
10. (9) Jonathan Spector—He’s finally getting regular playing time at West Ham, and he looks tidy and sharp for the U.S. His crossing ability is top class and Bradley will want Spector at his disposal in the upcoming World Cup.
11. (12) Benny Feilhaber—Feilhaber grabbed a rare start against El Salvador because of his offensive capabilities and acquitted himself well. He will still usually start off the bench, but even if he isn’t getting minutes with the national team, his torrid club form will keep him in the picture.
12. (11) Jay DeMerit—It’s unfortunate he couldn’t overcome his injuries in time to play in either qualifiers, but DeMerit will likely remain a starter when healthy until Edgar Castillo gets a look.
13. (15) Ricardo Clark—Clark has his detractors. He’s too defensive, he’s not a good enough passer, or he offers little going forward. Clark answered some of his critics with the winner on a 25-yard blast in Port of Spain. If he can improve on some of his weaknesses, he could lock down a starting spot.
14. (13) Stuart Holden—Holden is quickly gaining the role of super sub having almost set up goals in the last three qualifiers with curling crosses. He’s an asset to the team because of his versatility as well. A couple more solid performances would earn him a ticket to South Africa.
15. (14) Maurice Edu—Some will scoff at Edu’s high rating, but once he’s healthy again, he should slide back into the midfield of a Champions League side. No other U.S. midfielder can say that. Edu’s return, which is expected soon, can only be a boost to the side.
16. (17) Steve Cherundolo—Jonathan Spector was preferred to Cherundolo in the past two matches, but with no serious competition from behind, Cherundolo’s seat looks safe for now.
17. (16) Brian Ching—Bradley loves him, most U.S. fans don’t. That’s the Brian Ching story, but, as long as Bradley is picking the squad, Ching will be present. An appearance next summer in South Africa is pretty certain.
18. (18) Chad Marshall—He wasn’t bad against El Salvador considering he hadn’t featured in World Cup Qualifying up until that point. He’s certainly still the third or fourth choice center back, but he seems pretty secure in that role, which will likely earn him a spot on the team.
19. (21) Jose Torres—He had a brief cameo in the El Salvador match that culminated in a beautiful snap header that was miraculously saved by the ‘keeper. He has a unique skill set that Bradley will want at his disposal in 2010.
20. (NA) Edgar Castillo—He’s never represented the U.S., but the situation at left back is dire. He may get a call up for the next two qualifiers, which would give Bradley a chance to evaluate his abilities. Castillo is far from a lock for next summer, but everybody who plays left back plays themselves in contention, so why not?
21. (30) Kenny Cooper—He wasn’t called into this squad, but he is in good form and the race to be the last forward is wide open. If he can continue to score goals, he has a good shot of getting on the roster.
22. (22) Troy Perkins—Perkins has one man to beat: Marcus Hahnemann. Hahnemann isn’t playing right now, and until he does, Perkins will make the team as the third ‘keeper.
23. (23) Heath Pearce—His move to Turkey broke down, which is a big blow against him. If he can find steady playing time though, he should be able to make the roster as the last defender.
On the outside looking in…
24. (24) Freddy Adu—The conundrum of conundrums. He’s got the skill and now that he’s at Beleneses, hopefully for U.S. supporters, he can unleash it. If he can pull together a good season, he will make the World Cup roster.
25. (NA) Clarence Goodson—At this point, he's the last defender left off the team. It’s tough to see him bumping off anybody in front of him, but if there’s an injury, Goodson looks set to step in.
26. (25) Damarcus Beasley—He needs to play. It’s that simple. If he doesn’t start playing for Rangers, he will not make the World Cup Roster.
27. (19) Conor Casey—He scores in droves in MLS but can’t seem to translate that to the international game. It will be an interesting race between Casey and Cooper for the final forward spot.
28. (NA) Robbie Rogers—He made the most recent qualifying roster, which was encouraging, but Rogers still has work to do. He needs to be consistent and improve his crossing if he wants to journey to South Africa next summer.
29. (27) Sacha Kljestan—He needs to find his form for Chivas if he has any hope of making the World Cup Roster.
30. (26) Marcus Hahnemann—Many thought he would be starting at Wolves, but if he remains on the bench, he has very little chance of making the cut.
31. (NA) Eddie Johnson—Johnson was omitted from the previous edition, but since he is seeing the bench now for Fulham, he remains in the picture, but will need to find goals if he wants to go next summer.
32. (28) Frankie Hejduk—He’s fallen so far since scoring the equalizer in El Salvador. He needs some luck to make the roster with the solid form of both Spector and Cherundolo.
33. (NA) Michael Parkhurst—It’s really hard to see how Parkhurst makes the squad. Passing Goodson is a possibility, but getting past Marshall may prove difficult.
34. (20) Jonathan Bornstein—He has played himself so far out of the picture, he may never get back. Two horrendous performances won’t help his prospects.
35. (NA) Marvell Wynne—Many thought Wynne would be the answer at right back, but he has since fallen to fourth on the depth chart. It’s tough to see any path forward for him.
Max Zeger is a Goal.com contributor. Bradley’s Bunch is updated on a monthly basis. You can follow Max Zeger on twitter @mcmz403.
If you follow the U.S. Men's National Team, you'll love the dedicated page on Goal.com
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