Klinsmann Releases US Roster For Mexico Match; Four Primera Division Starters on US Roster

Head Coach Juergen Klinsmann today released the roster for the friendly match against USA and Mexico next week on August 10.  The roster includes a mix of veterans and younger players that reflect some of the new direction in the national team that Klinsmann discussed at his introductory press conference.

"There's so much influence from the Latin environment that has to be reflected in the national team," Klinsmann said.

There are four members of the roster who are currently competing in the Primera Division in Mexico that reflect this growing Latin environment influence.  Two of the four players I profiled in my article "Four Young American Soccer Players You Need To Know" are also on the roster.  

Goalkeepers

Tim Howard is once again the main goalkeeper, but will be backed up this time by 20-year-old newcomer Bill Hamid from D.C. United of the MLS.  This will be Hamid's first senior team camp.

Bill Hamid
Goal.com

Defense:

Carlos Bocanegra (31 years-old) and Steve Cherundolo (31) will be joined on the defensive side by:

• Edgar Castillo (24) - A former Mexican national team member before he switched his alliance to America, Castillo has only one cap for the United States senior team.  He is currently playing in the Primera division in Mexico for America'.
• Timmy Chandler (21) - Plays for FC Nuremberg *** Out with a knee injury; Replaced with Zach Loyd, a defender who plays for FC Dallas in the MLS.
• Clarence Goodson (29) - Recently made Captain for Denmark team, Brondby. Has 24 caps.
• Michael Orozco Fiscal (25) - Plays for Primera Division in Mexico with San Luis.  Only has one cap. 
• Heath Pearce (26) - Plays for Chivas in the MLS. Has 32 caps since 2005. 
• Tim Ream (23) - Plays for New York Red Bulls and has had 6 caps since 2010.  

Midfielders:

Klinsmann selected veteran stars like Michael Bradley, but also included some newer names:

• Kyle Beckerman (29) - Plays for Real Salt Lake in the MLS. Has 12 caps since 2007
• Ricardo Clark (28) - Plays in second Budesliga in Germany for Eintracht Frankfurt. Has 31 caps since 2005.
• Maurice Edu (25) - Plays for the Rangers in the Scottish Premiere League. Has 25 caps since 2007.  Injured calf, replaced by Robbie Rogers who plays for Columbus FC in the MLS and has 14 caps.
• Brek Shea (21) - Plays for FC Dallas in the MLS. Has two caps since 2010.
• Jermaine Jones (29) - Plays for Schalke 04 in the Budesliga in Germany. Has 11 caps since 2011.
• Jose Torres (23) - Plays in the Primera Division for Mexico for Pachuca. Has 11 caps since 2008.

Forwards:

Landon Donovan heads up a group that doesn't include Clint Dempsey:

• Freddy Adu (22 ) - Still under contract by Benefica in Portugal, but stayed in America to train after getting an opportunity in the Gold Cup.  Has 17 caps.
• DaMarcus Beasley (29) - Plays for the Primera Division in Mexico with Puebla F.C. Has 93 caps since 2001
• Juan Agudelo (18) - Plays for the New York Red Bulls in the MLS. Already has 10 caps. Last year became the youngest ever American to score a goal for the senior team in a match against South Africa.
• Edson Buddle (30) - Plays in the second Bundesliga in Germany for FC Ingolstadt 04; Has only six caps since 2003 

Juan Agudelo