Klinsmann calls 16 players in for U.S. soccer camp
U.S. national soccer team Coach Juergen Klinsmann invited 16 players to training camp for the start of preparations for World Cup qualifying, which begins next month.
Included among the initial selections are goalkeepers Brad Guzan and Tim Howard, who played this year in the English Premier League; midfielder Michael Bradley, who played in Italy; and striker Clint Dempsey, who set a record for EPL goals by a U.S. player this spring, scoring 23 times in all competitions and recording his 50th career goal.
Dempsey also had the only goal in the U.S.’s 1-0 win over Italy in February.
The majority of the players selected Tuesday are foreign-based players whose club seasons have ended. As many as 13 additional players will be invited to the Orlando, Fla., training sessions next week. From that pool, Klinsmann will trim the roster to 23 before the team meets Scotland in a friendly May 26.
Midfielder Kyle Beckerman and keeper Nick Rimando were the only players called up from Major League Soccer teams. Both play for Real Salt Lake, which has no games this week. Several other MLS players are expected to be summoned following this weekend’s matches.
“All the players coming now for this very special four-week period represent our core,” Klinsmann said. “It’s a clear signal to other players that right now it’s down to business. We’re playing World Cup qualifiers. It’s not about experimenting or seeing different players, it’s about who we think are the best.”
INITIAL U.S. ROSTER BY POSITION
GOALKEEPERS (3) :Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)
DEFENDERS (4) :Carlos Bocanegra (Rangers), Edgar Castillo (Club Tijuana), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover), Alfredo Morales (Hertha Berlin)
MIDFIELDERS (8) : Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Michael Bradley (Chievo Verona), Joe Corona (Club Tijuana), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim), Jermaine Jones (Schalke 04), Jose Torres (Pachuca), Danny Williams (Hoffenheim)
FORWARDS (1) : Clint Dempsey (Fulham)
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