Photo: Daniel Gajdamowicz
USMNT coach Jurgen Klinsmann has announced his 21-player roster for the upcoming friendly against Italy. The match will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 29 in Genoa and will be broadcast live by ESPN2, ESPN3 and Galavision from 2:45pm.
Thirteen players return from the group that defeated Slovenia 3–2 on Nov. 15, 2011. The USMNT has three consecutive wins since that game, including shutout victories over Venezuela and Panama in January.
“We’re looking forward to having all the European-based players back in the roster and picking up where we left off with them from the Slovenia game,” said Klinsmann. “I’m excited about getting everybody together and challenging a world-class team like former World Cup winner Italy on their home soil. I think we have put a very competitive roster together. This roster was co-developed with the U-23 team because we wanted them to have a great preparation game before they go into Olympic qualifying in March. Our roster is highly competitive and ready to give them a real fight.”
He added, “It’s very important that we get these games, and in particular playing them on the road. That’s when you really get players out of their comfort zone, and they have to deal with a difficult environment on a physical and psychological level. Italy is a very smart and experienced team, and there is a lot to take away from an experience like this.”
The USMNT has played nine games under Klinsmann for a 4–4–1 record since he has named head coach on July 29, 2011.
GOALKEEPERS (3) : Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)
DEFENDERS (7) : Carlos Bocanegra (Rangers), Geoff Cameron (Houston Dynamo), Timmy Chandler (Nürnberg), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96), Clarence Goodson (Brondby), Michael Parkhurst (FC Nordsjaelland), Jonathan Spector (Birmingham City)
MIDFIELDERS (6) : Michael Bradley (Chievo Verona), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim), Jermaine Jones (Schalke 04), Jose Torres (Pachuca), Danny Williams (Hoffenheim)
FORWARDS (5) : Jozy Altidore (AZ Alkmaar), Terrence Boyd (Borussia Dortmund), Edson Buddle (LA Galaxy), Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy)
No Union guys? C’mon!
Whod you have in mind?
I really wanted whitbread to get the call up. Also, Boyd! Who?
Whitbread was hurt (again) and was unavailable for selection. Terrence Boyd is a 21 year old striker who is very highly thought of and has made the game day roster of defending Bundesliga champion Borussia Dortmund.
I like seeing jose torres on the roster I think he has a lot of potential. I think mike Bradley is our best bet at midfield – he’s got size, experience, and a well rounded play style. I’d like to see sheanon williams at least get the call up – I think he is one of the best young right backs we have. I’m interested with the Boyd guy borussia dortmund is world class and if he is impressing them then we are set! What about Sasha kljestan??? He’s been tearing it up for Anderlecht.
I believe Williams will be called up for the U-23 team that has a game the same day. Also I agree with the call up of Torres. Jones and Bradley are both defensive minded so it will be nice to have a more offensive minded player in the middle. I just hope we can see a Jozy and Dempsey combo up front. with Torres supporting and Donovan crossing in balls from the wing midfield position.
I’D LIKE TO SEE SOMEBODY GET PICKED UP BY GENOA CFC AFTER THE MATCH!
Good luck guys!
DiNatale back on squad for Italy! Best in the world!
Just found out he’s not playing due to injury Bu
mmer!
Does anyone know a good bar where they are airing this game?