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US National Team: Five to watch on Saturday
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The now-traditional January US national team camp in southern California has been a fantastic opportunity for domiestic-based players to get a look at top-level play, and a great opportunity for the national team coaching staff to get a look at many new players.
But while the 2009 edition of camp has featured some new faces, the question becomes this: How will the World Cup qualifyer against Mexico influence head coach Bob Bradley's roster choices this Saturday as the U.S. takes on Sweden (5:30, Fox Soccer Channel)?
Eighteen of the 22 players on the roster currently ply their trade in Major League Soccer, with the other four playing for teams in Scandinavian leagues. But many of the United States' top players are unavailable due to club committments. Who will round out that roster when the United States opens its final round of World Cup qualifying against Mexico? Here are five names to watch this Saturday:
1) Sacha Kljestan: One of the stars of the U.S. Olympic team, Kljestan will be rejoining the national team in time for the match, flying back to California from his trial with Celtic. He's played for Bradley before, at Chivas USA, and many think he's the prototypical midfielder for Bradley's "empty bucket" midfielder formation.
2) Kenny Cooper: The striker position for the U.S. national team is normally filled by the hot foot. If Cooper can show, both in camp against Sweden, that he's it for the time being, he could make it to Columbus for the Mexico match.
3) Stuart Holden: The young Dynamo midfielder's talent is important. But as a first sub for Houston in many matches last year, he showed that he can be a great sparkplug off the bench. Someone who can lift the team if the U.S. falls behind can always find a spot on a matchday roster.
4) Robbie Rogers: The Crew midfielder was essential in the team's MLS Cup run late last year. If that run of form continues into 2009, Bradley could reward it with a bench roster spot.
5) Johnathan Bornstein, Marvell Wynne: Attacking outside backs are always welcome for home World Cup qualifyers, where the home team is usually trying to impose itself.
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