Timmy Chandler Saga and Klinsmann's new crew

Photo credit: US Soccer

Many hardcore US National team fans know this dance: Timmy Chandler, German-born with an American father, eligible to play for the US, excellent outside defender and an option at midfield, plays friendlies with Team USA but does not follow through with actual FIFA competition matches. That was the story under Bob Bradley. Chandler was brought in, impressed, assumed a starting position but dropped out of the Gold Cup competition. Yesterday's announcement of the first 16 players selected by Klinsmann for upcoming friendlies and the first World Cup Qualifiers lacked one player: Timmy Chandler.

So yes, the saga continues. Is he holding back to be called by the German national team? Does he not plan to ever play for the US? Is he really that tired and deserving a break? Those were the explanations given by Klinsmann at the press conference where he announced the call-ups. The player has the last word. Klinsmann says the door will remain open but they will move on without him. Is that settled then? Was this saga worth it? Or are we making too much of this situation? Americans love drama, so we'll leave it at that.

Along with the usual suspects Dempsey, Bradley, Edu, Howard, some non-traditional inclusions include Alfredo Morales (Hertha Berlin), Edgar Castillo (Club Tijuana), and Joe Corona (Club Tijuana). Fabian Johnson and Danny Williams will be there, however, so at least part of the German connection is alive and well. As for Castillo's inclusion, it may be due to his increased playing time and performance for the Xolos. His natural left back position warrants further inspection to see his progress. The US has always lacked depth in this part of the field, and his addition along with Morales, Johnson and Williams can expand the possible scenarios.

The inclusion of Joe Corona is a welcome one, although Mixx Diskerud would have been an attractive option at midfield as well--and he may yet be called with the second round (as many as 13 additions). In any case, Corona is a different kind of midfield player, faster and stronger in the middle of the pitch and with a nose for goal. It is a good variant for the more stationary Jose Torres or more defensive players like Bradley, Beckermann and Edu.

Who would we want to see from the remaining 13? Eric Lichaj comes to mind, as does Brek Shea, Herculez Gomez, Tim Ream and maybe even Josh Gatt. Agudelo, Kenny Cooper and Wondolowski should be top targets as well. Terrence Boyd's imminent inclusion is a bit of a stretch since he's not actively a part of first team Borussia Dortmund, but Klinsmann might be seeing something interesting in this lad. Indeed, he was a bright spot in the U-23s ill-fated match versus El Salvador in Olympic qualifying.

It will be a stretch of 5 games: Scotland, Brazil and Canada as warm-ups for qualifiers against Antigua and Barbuda and Guatemala. Should be fun to see variations in lineups and tactics.

Americans in Premier League Relegation

Photo credit: Bolton Wanderers

Just 6 days away from "Survival Sunday" and things look decidedly grim for at least one team in the English Premier League that houses Americans: Bolton Wanderers. This is specifically significant because it would mean that two of our younger soccer stars would begin the next season in the second division: Tim Ream and Stuart Holden.

For Tim Ream, it has been a whirlwind couple of years. From draft pick in 2010 to a rise as a new center back option for the national team in 2011, to struggles in the latter half of last year, and finally, a transfer to the Bolton Wanderers of the Premier League. Stuart Holden, the former Houston Dynamo creative midfielder has been playing for Bolton for the past two years and was a key to their success during the 2010-2011 season. Unfortunately, he has been plagued by injuries and hasn't been able to help his team.

Another team that was in threat of relegation was Aston Villa. The Villans were almost in the bottom three until this weekend's tie versus Tottenham Hotspur gave them the point to breathe a sigh of relief. Villa is home to another great American prospect: Eric Lichaj. The young right back has been seeing consistent playing time and even scored a goal a few weeks ago. His versatility as a defender means that he can play either wing and is a good--although not natural--option at left back for the national team. Along with Danny Williams, Fabian Johnson and Timmy Chandler, Lichaj forms the nucleus of the outer defense for Klinsmann as World Cup qualification gets underway.

The final weekend of the Premier League looks to be epic at this time. Bolton will be away at Stoke City. Only a win, coupled with a Queens Park Rangers loss to Manchester City, will allow them to remain at the top flight. For QPR, the stakes are high since Manchester City will look to take all three points at home to secure the trophy. And, after watching their recent matches versus top competition, it is likely that City will win. Since Manchester United will be away to Sunderland, it is plausible that they may not get all three points. Nevertheless, nearly all teams at the top and bottom of the table will be playing for meaningful positions, be it a place in the Champions League, the Premier League title, or safety from relegation.

Good luck to everyone. This should be fun.

Reset: US loses to Mexico in Gold Cup final

Photo credit: CONCACAF

USA lost to Mexico by the score of 4-2. With it went the ticket to the Confederations Cup and a bit of pride. But now is not the time to put our heads down. Now we can press the reset button and start anew.

We press the reset button because the US can no longer subject itself to giving away early goals. In today's case it was in the second half when Barrera scored the go-ahead goal.

We reset because we can't give up promising players to club intentions. This is about Timmy Chandler, arguably the best prospect in the young US defense. Bradley had the chance to bring him in but decided to waive the idea when the club and player requested extra resting time. How important would he have been when Cherundolo got hurt early in the game?

Reset the defense more. Bornstein has had spotty playing time in Mexico and hardly ever at left back. Why not players like Loyd or Pearce that are actually playing every game with their clubs.

Reset because some players need to be considered higher in the pecking order even if they are nursing injuries. Charlie Davies is having a great comeback season with DC United but Bradley chose Wondolowski over him but still called up Onyewu (also nursing an injury coming into the Gold Cup). Davies was back on the pitch the weekend the Gold Cup restarted. Again, judgement call but one with considerable weight behind it.

Reset the location. Why does CONCACAF continue to play the Gold Cup only in the USA? Further, why does US Soccer go ahead with this? It's better for the players if they play in other countries. But somehow the final is set for the Rose Bowl. Chicago was a more neutral location four years ago. I'm scratching my head with this one still.

Reset for the fans. We know this country has great athletes. We know they are playing more soccer these days. Having Thomas Rongen miss a chance with the most talented U-20 in a decade only thwarted development further. That team never made it to the U-20 World Cup and players like Agudelo, Salgado, Kitchen won't be exposed to the elements. Rongen was let go. Should Bob Bradley?

Howard....................5
Cherundolo.............N/A
Bocanegra................4
Goodson...................5
Lichaj.......................4
Adu...........................8
Jones........................5
Bradley.....................6
Donovan...................6
Dempsey..................5.5
Bedoya......................4

Subs: Agudelo (4), Bornstein (3), Kljestan (N/A)

Mission accomplished: USA defeats Panama and reaches Gold Cup final

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Mission accomplished today. The USA played a complete game against Panama today and got what it needed: a 1-0 win over Panama to catapult them into the Gold Cup final. It is mission accomplished because the US fought hard to evade an early score by the opposing squad. Because Eric Lichaj continued to show why he's the future of the fullback position, left or right. Because Agudelo showed that he can step in where Altidore left off. Because Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey ascertained their place as America's top players. Because we had the pleasure of seeing an old friend, Freddy Adu, return to the national squad--and excel.

It was also mission accomplished because Jones and Bradley continue to solidify the midfield in a region where Ricardo Clark showed inconsistency and where Maurice Edu had not settled. Mission accomplished because Bob Bradley has changed his lineup from 4-4-2 to 4-5-1 without clogging up the midfield and allowing for more control of the game. Mission accomplished because Clint Dempsey has now become the go-to guy when a decisive strike is needed, something sorely required given Donovan's recent struggles with the national team.

For the US national team, reaching the final will be its mission accomplished. As resilient as this team may be at the moment, it's missing the arguments that will allow it to win the tournament. No Altidore, Davies, Holden or an in-form Onyewu means that a speedy, creative Mexico is technically, on paper, a more fluid team with several weapons. Add to this the fact that the match is in Los Angeles and you are basically letting the Aztecas play at home.

So the US will be the underdogs again, and even if they do not lift the trophy they will have planted the seeds for the future: Agudelo's strength and speed, Lichaj's dominance at left back, the rise of Jermaine Jones and the return of Kljestan and Adu. And yes, a confirmation of our superstar: Clint Dempsey.

Player ratings:

Howard..................7
Lichaj.....................7
Bocanegra.............6.5
Goodson................6
Cherundolo...........7.5
Dempsey...............8
Kljestan.................5
Bedoya...................6
Bradley.................7
Jones.....................7
Agudelo.................7

Subs: Donovan (7), Adu (8)

Rekindled: US defeats Jamaica in Gold Cup Quarterfinal

Photo credit: US Presswire

Bob Bradley may have saved his job a little while longer. The US dominated and defeated Jamaica by the score of 2-0 in a match that served as a preview of what the team can do without Donovan or Altidore. Donovan was left on the bench for two thirds of the match and Altidore (2 goals in the Gold Cup) had to be subbed off early in the game due to a hamstring strain. But team USA responded with smart plays by Kljestan and Bedoya and great teamwork in the defense.

This game was also Dempsey's game. He was severely criticized by media and fans alike (myself included) after the game against Guadeloupe. Indeed, the "Deuce" missed three or four chances in that match that could have increased the scoreline to a more appropriate difference between two squads with considerable spacing in quality and experience. But today Dempsey responded with constant attacks, shots on goal and a superb strike to put the Americans up 2-0.

When Altidore went down injured at the start of the game, Americans nationwide held their breath. Might he miss the rest of the tournament? Would the US still be able to get past Jamaica? But Agudelo picked up where Jozy left off. He provided an additional spark and passes that gave way to the goals scored. His center provided the assist for Clint Dempsey's strike. The youngster proved why he belongs with the team and why he is a player to watch for the future.

Another hero tonight was Jermaine Jones. Always controversial and full of pride, Jones received a yellow for an unnecessary foul but was involved in the attack much more than in previous games. He had his share of chances and his strike from outside the area proved to be the difference-maker in this game.

The back line also had a solid game today. Goodson and Bocanegra held the middle of the field with great poise, although they were outrun on a couple of occasions by the speedster Dane Richards. Cherundolo and Lichaj were great at countering the wings and also by providing great crosses for the US attack. Lichaj, in particular, impressed with his poise and positioning. Hopefully this means more playing time in the Premier League or wherever he ends up next.

Up next is Panama, who just defeated El Salvador on penalty kicks. This could be both good and bad since the players will be full of pride after defeating the Cuscatlecos but also tired from the 120 minutes on the pitch. Team USA will have to undo the damage done by Panama in the group stage loss to the Canaleros. A tough task indeed, but if they play like today then the outcome is likely to be positive.

Player ratings:
Howard.................7.5
Lichaj.....................7.5
Bocanegra..............6
Goodson.................6
Cherundolo............7.5
Dempsey................8.5
Jones......................7
Bedoya....................7
Bradley..................7
Kljestan....................7
Altidore....................(N/A)

Subs: Agudelo (7), Donovan (6), Edu (6.5)

Youngsters 2010: US vs South Africa

The US national team will revisit South Africa next week for a friendly versus the host nation. This has been a place of providence for our national team: building the future from the 2009 Confederations Cup to the 2010 World Cup. And next week's game offers an even better look at the future of the sport in this nation.

With stars like Steve Cherundolo, Carlos Bocanegra, DaMarcus Beasley, Herculez Gomez, Brian Ching slowly ceding space for a new generation, it becomes rather urgent to analyze future options. It should also be noted that megastars Donovan, Howard, Dempsey, Onyewu, Jones and Feilhaber are nearing their "veteran" status. That is, they will be in their 30s by the time 2014 comes around. Our "mature" players (mid to late 20s) will include Holden, Bradley, Edu, Torres, Altidore, Spector, Lichaj, Bornstein, Guzan.

So who will be our "youngsters"? Bob Bradley will begin to address this question next week. He has called up U-20 players Juan Agudelo (striker), Mikel Diskerud, (midfielder) Gale Agbossoumonde (defender) and Teal Bunbury (midfielder/forward). This in addition to impressive Eric Lihaj (defender played versus Colombia in October), Tim Ream (defender) and 23-year-old goalkeeper Dom Cervi (Celtic). Rounding out the squad is a mixture of experience and fringe players: Robbie Rogers, Johnathan Bornstein, Brad Guzan, Jonathan Spector, Brian Carroll, Logan Pause, Nat Borchers, Alejandro Bedoya, Eddie Gaven, Clarence Goodson and Robbie Findley.

So, who do we watch out for? Starting with the defense: Tim Ream is a potential future starter with the nats. He is in the same boat as Bocanegra, Goodson, Onyewu, Omar Gonzales. Along with Gonzales, he could solidify the back four for years to come once the older guys retire. Agbossoumonde is one to watch also. He's in Portugal now trying to break into the Sporting Braga first team. I'd also like to see more of Lichaj. He made his EPL debut in Aston Villa's latest game and has played in Cup competition.

In the midfield, all eyes will be on Diskerud, if he plays. He's a starter with Norwegian side Stabaek (7 goals in 47 games). Look for Bedoya, Roggers, Gaven and Pause/Carroll to get the start, as they are more experienced players.

Possibly even more important are the new attacking options. I'm still not sure why Jack McInierney wasn't called but I'm sure there is a reason for it. Aside from that, I think Juan Agudelo could be the most promising of the bunch if we're talking goals. He impressed (although did not score) during the two games he had as a starter for the New York Red Bulls in the MLS playoffs. He was quite the prolific scorer in the youth squads (12 goals / 17 games for U-17, 3 goals / 7 games for U-20). If this sounds familiar it's because there was once another promising young star in New York: Jozy Altidore. Agudelo is quite fast, has excellent dribble and awareness, and is full of energy. An Altidore-Agudelo tandem in the future is always a possibility. But let's see how well he develops.

Bunbury is another interesting option at midfielder/forward. He had 25 appearances as a rookie for Kansas City and scored 5 goals. He's the son of prolific goal scorer Alex Bunbury (Canada) who played his trade in Portugal before joining MLS. Teal is Canadian-American but has chosen America (as of right now). A rising star? There's always room for more forwards.

So there you have it, folks. Youth or inexperience? Gutsy call by Bradley? Given the busy schedules with the usual starters, I think this is a great opportunity for the youngsters. I don't anticipate a blowout, but even if it is, it's more constructive to analyze the new options in the American pool.

Jermain Jones and the first crusade: USA vs Colombia

Okay, make that the second crusade. But this one, like the movie, had a partner: Eric Lighaj. And the duo did not disappoint. Jones was active throughout the match, playing box-to-box football and creating chances for the team. Jones also broke up many Colombian plays (and earned a yellow in the process).

As far as Lichaj (pronounced Lee-high), he was stout in defense and active in the attack. Hopefully he will be seeing more action with Aston Villa. It may also be time for him to move on and get some game time with a European club.

Speaking of playing time, Onyewu is showing his rust time and time again whilst players like Parkhurst, Goodson and Pearce showed they are in their prime. Spector was also a bit muted, and this may be due to his lack in playing time with West Ham.

I agree with Harkes and Lalas that the Jones-Edu-Bradley combo is not sustainable at the moment since they are all basically the same type of player: holding midfielder. It's hard to imagine any one of them on the bench, but unless Edu can slide into the fullback position or if injuries take over, this "three headed monster" wont be seeing the pitch in that formation again.

At the attacking end, Holden again showed why he's a regular with Bolton, creating plays and chasing the ball (which most of the team had forgotten to do). Altidore was dangerous again but lacked the finishing touch. Johnson did not contribute much to the match. Dempsey played well, as expected.

Next is South Africa in another friendly in Cape Town this November. Perhaps more MLS players will be available and more formations can be explored.

Player ratings:

Guzan...................7
Onyewu................5.5
Spector.................5
Goodson...............6
Pearce..................6.5
Edu.......................4.5
Bradley...............5.5
Jones..................7.5
Shea....................5.5
Holden................7
Altidore..............6

Subs: Johnson (6), Lichaj (7.5), Parkhurst (7.5), Feilhaber (5.5), Dempsey (7)