U.S. Men's National Team coach Jurgen Klinsmann has given returning LA Galaxy star Edson Buddle a well-deserved opportunity to shine by including him on the USA's roster versus four-time World Champion Italy, who they battle in Genoa on February 29. To date, Buddle has only scored three goals in ten appearances for the USMNT, but the 6'1 striker made a case for himself in MLS and recently, in Germany.
Buddle, who had the 2010 Golden Boot stolen from him at the last minute by Chris Wondolowski of the San Jose Earthquakes, has returned to the Galaxy after a stint at German club FC Ingolstadt. In 2010, Buddle led MLS in goalscoring for most of the season, totalling 17 goals, but Wondoloski delivered a late-season scoring run and beat him out with 18 total goals, including a last-minute hat trick.
Buddle debuted for Ingolstadt in the Second Bundesliga on January 21, 2011 on an 18-month contract and scored nine goals in 31 appearances. In the Galaxy's 2012 preseason, Buddle is already making an impact. February 22, Buddle scored off a Beckham cross versus the Revolution in the first match of the Desert Diamond Cup, an MLS preseason tournament also featuring the New York Red Bulls and Real Salt Lake.
“[Buddle] probably had six good goal-scoring opportunities tonight, he was dangerous,” said Galaxy coach Bruce Arena. “It’s really encouraging to see a striker get those kind of opportunities. He did a lot of good things tonight.”
Jose Torres surfaces
Another important roster addition is midfielder Jose Torres, who impressed during and leading up to the USA's World Cup run.
“We’re happy to have Jose back," said Klinsmann. "He’s a very creative player, very calm on the ball, and a great passer. He brings a different dimension in the midfield."
Klinsmann on a streak
Klinsmann is on a three-match winning streak with successful runs against Slovenia, Venezuela and Panama. Italy is obviously favored in the upcoming match-up, but since the game takes place on the first FIFA international fixture date of 2012, the 21-man USA roster is laden with European stars and could spring an upset. The match will be the two teams' first meeting on Italian soil since 2002.
"I'm excited about getting everybody together and challenging a world-class team like former World Cup winner Italy on their home soil," said Klinsmann. "Our roster is highly competitive and ready to give them a real fight."
TV
Kickoff is set for 2:45 p.m. ET and the match will be broadcast on ESPN2, ESPN3 and Galavision.
U.S. ROSTER
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)
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