(BDCi) – U.S. Men’s National Team head coach Jurgen Klinsman unveiled on Thursday his 29-man roster for the upcoming rounds of CONCACAF Cup qualifiers in June as well as two high-profile friendlies against Belgium and Germany.
Nine MLS players were called up: Tally Hall (Houston Dynamo), Bill Hamid (D.C. United), Sean Johnson (Chicago Fire), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake), Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy), Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo) Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City) and Eddie Johnson (Seattle Sounders).
Among the notable inclusions is Stuart Holden, who returns to U.S camp for the first time since October 2010. Right backs Steve Cherundolo and Timmy Chandler were ruled out due to knee injuries.
The camp kicks off on May 26 in Cleveland, site of the first friendly against Belgium on May 29. Forward Jozy Altidore, who was earlier believed to be missing the USMNT’s May camp, will report on May 26, according to U.S Soccer.
Following the match at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, the U.S. move to RFK Stadium for a friendly against world powers Germany on June 2. The two matches will prepare the U.S. for qualifiers against Jamaica (June 7 in Kingston), Panama (June 11 in Seattle) and Honduras (June 18 in Salt Lake City).
Although Klinsmann’s list actually features 29 names, U.S Soccer indicated that the four MLS goalkeepers will rotate through camp.
The number of call-ups allow Klinsmann the flexibility of managing a roster that features eight players who are one caution card away from suspension. The roster is expected to be pared down after the international friendlies.
Due to outstanding club commitments (playoffs, domestic and continental cup competitions), several players will be late arrivals into camp.
Goalkeepers (6): Brad Guzan (Aston Villa/England), Tally Hall (Houston Dynamo), Bill Hamid (D.C. United), Tim Howard (Everton/England), Sean Johnson (Chicago Fire), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)
Defenders (8): DaMarcus Beasley (Puebla/Mexico), Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City/England), Edgar Castillo (Club Tijuana/Mexico) Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy), Clarence Goodson (Brondby/Denmark), Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim/Germany), Michael Parkhurst (Augsburg/Germany)
Midfielders (10): Michael Bradley (Roma/Italy), Joe Corona (Clun Tijuana/Mexico), Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo), Maurice Edu (Bursapor/Turkey), Stuart Holden (Bolton/England), Jermaine Jones (Schalke/Germany), Sach Kljestand (Anderlecht/Belgium), Brek Shea (Stoke City/England), Danny Williams (Hoffenheim/Germany), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City)
Forwards (5): Jozy Altidore (AZ Alkmaar/Netherlands), Terrence Boyd (Rapid Vienna/Austria), Clint Dempsey (Tottenham Hotspur/England), Herculez Gomez (Santos Laguna/Mexico), Eddie Johnson (Seattle Sounders)
Source: lagalaxy.com