Klinsmann names squad for Mexico clash
United States coach Jurgen Klinsmann named an experienced 23-man
squad on Saturday for next week’s make-or-break shoot-out against Mexico
for a place in the 2017 Confederations Cup.
Klinsmann, still smarting from his side’s elimination on home soil
from the Gold Cup in July, is banking on the bulk of the squad which
reached the knockout stages of last year’s World Cup.
The Americans face Mexico in a play-off match at the Pasadena Rose
Bowl in California on October 10, with the winner advancing to the
Confederations Cup in Russia, an effective test run for the 2018 World
Cup.
“This roster is obviously full of experience,” said Klinsmann.
“This is about having a group of players who understand exactly now what this is all about.
“This is about momentum. This is about high energy. This is about
representing my country. This is about belief and a high-level of
aggressiveness in a one-off game to beat Mexico and to get to the
Confederations Cup.
“It’s a unique opportunity, and you have to embrace it and give everything you have.”
The US squad contains seven players with 50 or more caps and four –
DaMarcus Beasley, Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey, Tim Howard – that have
made more than 100 appearances for the United States.
Sixteen members of the squad were part of the USA squad in Brazil.
Squad: Goalkeepers: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)
Defenders: Ventura Alvarado (Club America), DaMarcus Beasley (HoustonDynamo), Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), Geoff Cameron (StokeCity), Brad Evans (Seattle Sounders FC), Fabian Johnson (BorussiaMonchengladbach), Michael Orozco (Club Tijuana), Tim Ream (Fulham),Jonathan Spector (Birmingham City)
Midfielders: Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Alejandro Bedoya(Nantes), Michael Bradley (Toronto FC), Jermaine Jones (New EnglandRevolution), Danny Williams (Reading), DeAndre Yedlin (Sunderland),Graham Zusi (Sporting KC)
Forwards: Jozy Altidore (Toronto FC), Clint Dempsey (Seattle SoundersFC), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes), Gyasi Zardes (LAGalaxy)
