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The U.S. Soccer Federation today released the 22-man roster for the Slovakia exhibition on Nov. 14. Absent from the team are its two best players: Forward Landon Donovan and “stop almost anything” goalie Tim Howard.
While disappointing for spectators, the move allows the team to work on its balance and depth, both of which are needed if the national team hopes to advance to the latter rounds of next year’s World Cup.
Prospective starters partially include Brad Guzan at goal, Bocanegra and Bornstein in the back, Bradley and Dempsey at mid field, and Jozy Altidore as a forward. Full roster after the break.
U.S. 22-man roster at Slovakia
Goalies (3): Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton), Troy Perkins (Valerenga)
Defenders (9): Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover), Jimmy Conrad (Kansas City Wizards), Clarence Goodson (IK Start), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus Crew), Chad Marshall (Columbus Crew), Heath Pearce (FC Dallas), Jonathan Spector (West Ham)
Midfielders (6): Michael Bradley (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Benny Feilhaber (AGF Aarhus), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Dax McCarty (FC Dallas), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew)
Forwards (4): Jozy Altidore (Hull City), Conor Casey (Colorado Rapids), Jeff Cunningham (FC Dallas), Eddie Johnson (Fulham)
