On Jan. 3, 2014 ussoccer.com released the list of players called-up by Jurgen Klinsmann to the first FIFA World Cup preparation camp. The German coach named 25 MLS players and Rosenburg’s Mix Diskerud to the January camp roster.
There are four goalkeepers, 10 defenders, eight midfielders and four forward called-up to the camp. Although these players had an excellent 2013, not all of them will make the final USMNT World Cup roster.
Goalkeepers:
Tally Hall- The 28-year-old has been the starting goalkeeper for the Huston Dynamo since 2011. He was an MLS All-Star in 2011, kept a club record, 12 clean sheets, in 2013 and played every minute of the 2013 regular season. Hall is a good shot-stopper, but due to his bad positioning, he has conceded some easy goals. Hall is the sixth goalkeeper in the rotation, which means he won't be going to Brazil.
Bill Hamid- Hamid is a young athletic shot-stopper that plays for DC United. Just like Hall, the 23-year-old positioning can be crummy. On set pieces, he does judge the flight of the ball properly and ends up conceding easy goals. If Nick Rimando gets injured and Hamid has a good start in 2014, he might get the nod over Sean Johnson.
Sean Johnson- Since joining the Chicago Fire in 2010, the 24-year-old has made 100 MLS regular season start. He is the brightest young goalkeeper in the league. He has good hands, great reflexes and handles set-pieces well, but gets beat easily at his near post. Johnson is a plausible option, but he has beat out Nick Rimando for the third goalkeeper spot.
Nick Rimando- the 14 year MLS veteran is the unanimous third goalkeeper for the national team. Although he is 5’9”, Rimando is one of the best‒if not the best–shot-stopper MLS has ever produced. He was Klinsmann’s starting goalkeeper during the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup. As long as he’s healthy, he’ll be in Brazil.
Defenders:
Matt Besler- The newlywed center back will definitely be on the final roster. The speedy Sporting Kansas City player is a tough and technical defender. He is the kind of center back that’s willing to chase forwards around, but he could also instigate an attack. The 26-year-old was a USMNT regular in 2013, starting eleven games.
Brad Evans- Midfielder by trade, Evans has been a revelation at the right-back position. The Seattle Sounders player stepped into the position because of Steve Cherundolo’s injury and Timothy Chandler’s absence. The 28-year-old played a crucial role during qualifiers, scoring the game-winning goal against Jamaica. If Cherundolo isn’t fit by May, Evans wil be on the World cup roster.
Omar Gonzalez- The tall center back is one of the smartest players in the MLS. He reads the game judiciously, intercepts passes, wins almost all his aerial duels, comfortable under pressure and isn’t shy to go forward. He will definitely be in Brazil and most likely start every game the national team plays.
Clarence Goodson- he is very similar to Gonzalez. He wins most of his aerial duels, intercepts passes and has a high soccer IQ. But he isn’t comfortable under pressure. If he has a great start in 2014 with the San Jose Earthquakes, he will be Gonzalez’s back-up in Brazil.
Michael Harrington- after a sensational season with the Portland Timbers, the 27-year-old gets his first call-up to the national team. Harrington flourished at left-back under Caleb Porter because he’s a willing runner. He isn’t afraid to go forward, but recovers quickly. With DeMarcus Beasley improving defensively, it’s very unlikely Harrington will make the World Cup roster.
Chris Klute- In his second season with the Colorado Rapids, Klute played 31 games and had 7 assists. He has the ability to outrun defenders and his crosses are above par. He is a solid one-on-one defender, but struggles when balls are played in behind him. He won’t be in Brazil because he isn’t ready to go up against world-class wingers.
Chance Myers- the 1st overall pick in the 2008 MLS SuperDraft had a stellar season with MLS Cup winners, Sporting Kansas City. He started 26 regular season games, scored two and has three assists. The right-back is a hardworking defender that doesn’t give up on plays. If Brad Evans gets injured, Myers has a slim chance of making the World Cup roster.
Shane O’Neill- the 20-year-old formed a magnificent partnership with Drew Moor to lead the Rapids to the MLS playoff. The tall center back can also play as a defensive midfielder or a right-back. He is comfortable on the ball, has the speed to recover, and he is good in the air. He isn’t ready to play against the likes of Diego Costa and Robin van Persie, so don’t expect to see him in Brazil.
Seth Sinovic- Kansas City left-back was impressive in 2013, but he won’t make the World Cup roster. The 26-year old has to work on his passing‒he completed 78 percent of his passes in 2013–and his tackling has to improve. He is a solid defender, but not solid enough to play against the best players in the world.
Deandre Yedlin- Seattle Sounders’ first Homegrown Player was the talk of the town in 2013. The swift right-back stole Sounders faithful’s heart with his invigorating forward runs. Yedlin might not be on the World Cup Roster because he depends on his speed to help him out defensively. He needs learn how to keep attackers in front of him and when he does attack, his final pass has to be sharper.
Midfielders:
Eric Alexander- In his first four years in the MLS, Alexander scored 2 goals in 69 games. In 2013, he scored twice as much in 34 games. He was a big part of the New York Red Bulls team that won the Supporters Shield. Alexander is more comfortable as a winger, but has the prowess to play as an attacking midfielder. When he does play on the flanks, Alexander likes to play short passes to the forward’s feet, which is why he won’t be in Brazil. Klinsmann is looking for a winger that can cross the ball unto Jozy Altidore’s head.
Kyle Beckermann- Real Salt Lake’s captain is probably the most consistent midfielder in MLS. The 14 year veteran leads by example. He is tough, hard-working and never gives up. A competent defensive midfielder that can also score goals‒21 for RSL in MLS. Beckerman will be on the final roster because he provides much-needed depth.
Brad Davis- the 32-year-old winger has the best leg on the roster. Dynamo’s captain is capable of delivering tantalizing crosses into the box. He is a willing runner, but he can sometimes be a liability on the field because can’t outmaneuver world-class defenders.
Mix Diskereud- on his best day, the 23-year-old is a creative genius. Diskereud is capable of playing the perfect pass, settling down the game and frustrating opposing midfielders. His World Cup fate lies in his hands. If he can prove that he can perform at his best in big games, he will be on the World Cup roster.
Benny Feilhaber- the MLS champion is ready to prove himself to Klismann. After a quiet 2013, Feilhaber showed the quality we all know him for in the playoff. The creative midfielder is technically blessed, but he lacks the composure to go up against finest midfielders in the world. Don’t expect to see him in Brazil.
Luis Gil- the future attacking midfielder for the national team. Klinsmann called Gil in to examine the young player. He won’t be at the World Cup this year, but don’t be surprised to see him at the 2018 World Cup.
Dax McCarty- McCarty is a less-creative Michael Bradley. His work rate is nonpareil, he is one of the best passers in the MLS and he wins most of his tackles. He most likely won’t be in Brazil because he doesn’t create enough chances.
Graham Zusi- the Orlando native will definitely be in Brazil. He was one of the standout players during qualifiers. The set-piece specialist can play in the middle or on the flanks in Klinsmann’s 4-2-3-1 formation.
Forwards:
Chris Wondolowski- After a phenomenal 2012, Wondolowski cooled down in 2013. He scored 11 goals and added three assists in 29 starts. Although the 30-year-old poacher is a good facilitator, he won’t make the roster because he isn’t a physical center forward.
Mike Magee- a technical forward that makes exceptional runs and a clinical finisher in front of goal. Magee’s move to the Fire has brought out the best in him. In 22 games, he scored 15 goals for his hometown team. He has no shot of making it to Brazil because he isn’t a No. 9.
Eddie Johnson- The controversial center forward will be Altidore’s back up in Brazil. Although his move to DC United might reduce his production, the 29-year-old secured a position on the team with his performances during the qualifiers.
Landon Donovan- the versatile player will be one of the first names Klinsmann writes on his roster. Donovan has been referred to as the greatest player to ever put on a USMNT jersey, and he has the stats to back it up. In 154 games, he has 57 goals and 57 assists.
There are four goalkeepers, 10 defenders, eight midfielders and four forward called-up to the camp. Although these players had an excellent 2013, not all of them will make the final USMNT World Cup roster.
Goalkeepers:
Tally Hall- The 28-year-old has been the starting goalkeeper for the Huston Dynamo since 2011. He was an MLS All-Star in 2011, kept a club record, 12 clean sheets, in 2013 and played every minute of the 2013 regular season. Hall is a good shot-stopper, but due to his bad positioning, he has conceded some easy goals. Hall is the sixth goalkeeper in the rotation, which means he won't be going to Brazil.
Bill Hamid- Hamid is a young athletic shot-stopper that plays for DC United. Just like Hall, the 23-year-old positioning can be crummy. On set pieces, he does judge the flight of the ball properly and ends up conceding easy goals. If Nick Rimando gets injured and Hamid has a good start in 2014, he might get the nod over Sean Johnson.
Sean Johnson- Since joining the Chicago Fire in 2010, the 24-year-old has made 100 MLS regular season start. He is the brightest young goalkeeper in the league. He has good hands, great reflexes and handles set-pieces well, but gets beat easily at his near post. Johnson is a plausible option, but he has beat out Nick Rimando for the third goalkeeper spot.
Nick Rimando- the 14 year MLS veteran is the unanimous third goalkeeper for the national team. Although he is 5’9”, Rimando is one of the best‒if not the best–shot-stopper MLS has ever produced. He was Klinsmann’s starting goalkeeper during the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup. As long as he’s healthy, he’ll be in Brazil.
Defenders:
Matt Besler- The newlywed center back will definitely be on the final roster. The speedy Sporting Kansas City player is a tough and technical defender. He is the kind of center back that’s willing to chase forwards around, but he could also instigate an attack. The 26-year-old was a USMNT regular in 2013, starting eleven games.
Brad Evans- Midfielder by trade, Evans has been a revelation at the right-back position. The Seattle Sounders player stepped into the position because of Steve Cherundolo’s injury and Timothy Chandler’s absence. The 28-year-old played a crucial role during qualifiers, scoring the game-winning goal against Jamaica. If Cherundolo isn’t fit by May, Evans wil be on the World cup roster.
Omar Gonzalez- The tall center back is one of the smartest players in the MLS. He reads the game judiciously, intercepts passes, wins almost all his aerial duels, comfortable under pressure and isn’t shy to go forward. He will definitely be in Brazil and most likely start every game the national team plays.
Clarence Goodson- he is very similar to Gonzalez. He wins most of his aerial duels, intercepts passes and has a high soccer IQ. But he isn’t comfortable under pressure. If he has a great start in 2014 with the San Jose Earthquakes, he will be Gonzalez’s back-up in Brazil.
Michael Harrington- after a sensational season with the Portland Timbers, the 27-year-old gets his first call-up to the national team. Harrington flourished at left-back under Caleb Porter because he’s a willing runner. He isn’t afraid to go forward, but recovers quickly. With DeMarcus Beasley improving defensively, it’s very unlikely Harrington will make the World Cup roster.
Chris Klute- In his second season with the Colorado Rapids, Klute played 31 games and had 7 assists. He has the ability to outrun defenders and his crosses are above par. He is a solid one-on-one defender, but struggles when balls are played in behind him. He won’t be in Brazil because he isn’t ready to go up against world-class wingers.
Chance Myers- the 1st overall pick in the 2008 MLS SuperDraft had a stellar season with MLS Cup winners, Sporting Kansas City. He started 26 regular season games, scored two and has three assists. The right-back is a hardworking defender that doesn’t give up on plays. If Brad Evans gets injured, Myers has a slim chance of making the World Cup roster.
Shane O’Neill- the 20-year-old formed a magnificent partnership with Drew Moor to lead the Rapids to the MLS playoff. The tall center back can also play as a defensive midfielder or a right-back. He is comfortable on the ball, has the speed to recover, and he is good in the air. He isn’t ready to play against the likes of Diego Costa and Robin van Persie, so don’t expect to see him in Brazil.
Seth Sinovic- Kansas City left-back was impressive in 2013, but he won’t make the World Cup roster. The 26-year old has to work on his passing‒he completed 78 percent of his passes in 2013–and his tackling has to improve. He is a solid defender, but not solid enough to play against the best players in the world.
Deandre Yedlin- Seattle Sounders’ first Homegrown Player was the talk of the town in 2013. The swift right-back stole Sounders faithful’s heart with his invigorating forward runs. Yedlin might not be on the World Cup Roster because he depends on his speed to help him out defensively. He needs learn how to keep attackers in front of him and when he does attack, his final pass has to be sharper.
Midfielders:
Eric Alexander- In his first four years in the MLS, Alexander scored 2 goals in 69 games. In 2013, he scored twice as much in 34 games. He was a big part of the New York Red Bulls team that won the Supporters Shield. Alexander is more comfortable as a winger, but has the prowess to play as an attacking midfielder. When he does play on the flanks, Alexander likes to play short passes to the forward’s feet, which is why he won’t be in Brazil. Klinsmann is looking for a winger that can cross the ball unto Jozy Altidore’s head.
Kyle Beckermann- Real Salt Lake’s captain is probably the most consistent midfielder in MLS. The 14 year veteran leads by example. He is tough, hard-working and never gives up. A competent defensive midfielder that can also score goals‒21 for RSL in MLS. Beckerman will be on the final roster because he provides much-needed depth.
Brad Davis- the 32-year-old winger has the best leg on the roster. Dynamo’s captain is capable of delivering tantalizing crosses into the box. He is a willing runner, but he can sometimes be a liability on the field because can’t outmaneuver world-class defenders.
Mix Diskereud- on his best day, the 23-year-old is a creative genius. Diskereud is capable of playing the perfect pass, settling down the game and frustrating opposing midfielders. His World Cup fate lies in his hands. If he can prove that he can perform at his best in big games, he will be on the World Cup roster.
Benny Feilhaber- the MLS champion is ready to prove himself to Klismann. After a quiet 2013, Feilhaber showed the quality we all know him for in the playoff. The creative midfielder is technically blessed, but he lacks the composure to go up against finest midfielders in the world. Don’t expect to see him in Brazil.
Luis Gil- the future attacking midfielder for the national team. Klinsmann called Gil in to examine the young player. He won’t be at the World Cup this year, but don’t be surprised to see him at the 2018 World Cup.
Dax McCarty- McCarty is a less-creative Michael Bradley. His work rate is nonpareil, he is one of the best passers in the MLS and he wins most of his tackles. He most likely won’t be in Brazil because he doesn’t create enough chances.
Graham Zusi- the Orlando native will definitely be in Brazil. He was one of the standout players during qualifiers. The set-piece specialist can play in the middle or on the flanks in Klinsmann’s 4-2-3-1 formation.
Forwards:
Chris Wondolowski- After a phenomenal 2012, Wondolowski cooled down in 2013. He scored 11 goals and added three assists in 29 starts. Although the 30-year-old poacher is a good facilitator, he won’t make the roster because he isn’t a physical center forward.
Mike Magee- a technical forward that makes exceptional runs and a clinical finisher in front of goal. Magee’s move to the Fire has brought out the best in him. In 22 games, he scored 15 goals for his hometown team. He has no shot of making it to Brazil because he isn’t a No. 9.
Eddie Johnson- The controversial center forward will be Altidore’s back up in Brazil. Although his move to DC United might reduce his production, the 29-year-old secured a position on the team with his performances during the qualifiers.
Landon Donovan- the versatile player will be one of the first names Klinsmann writes on his roster. Donovan has been referred to as the greatest player to ever put on a USMNT jersey, and he has the stats to back it up. In 154 games, he has 57 goals and 57 assists.