Another Depth Chart

My not very selective 64 person depth chart with stats and notes {number of expected slots per group indicated by []}:

GOALIES [3]: A strong group, though not quite among the strongest nations such as Italy or even England. Waiting for either the Howard/Brown generation to assert themselves or the younger generation to make a breakthrough as the quality in this group is aging.

1. Kasey Keller (Borussia Mochengladbach, Bundesliga, 35 years old, 10 games – USMNT: 91 caps): Strong shot-blocking, great positioning, super reflexes and excellent leadership. Weak with his feet. Playing at his highest level ever despite advanced age. Lock to make the roster and lock to start so long as he is healthy.
2. Marcus Hahneman (Reading, English Championship, 33 years old, 17 games – USMNT: 6 caps ): Good reflexes, very competitive spirit, emotional leader. Has shown poor distribution skills with USMNT, though reportedly this is not typical of his play. Not the most athletic of keepers. Can’t see him slipping off the roster.
3. Tim Howard (Manchester United, English Premier, 26 years old – USMNT: 14 caps): Best athlete among goalies, very good reflexes, but extremely rusty. He still seems to lack confidence, leadership is questionable. Will probably get a lot of playing time in friendlies, which could lead to him being the backup or off the roster. Does not appear to have any real prospect of getting club playing time, though anything can happen in a second in club soccer.
4. Matt Reis (New England Revolution, MLS, 30 years old, 31 games, 1.13 GAA, 77% Saves – USMNT: UNCAPPED): Solid MLS keeper who has waited for his chance. Strong club resume is his best asset, solid and aggressive keeper who would probably perform reliably.
5. Joe Cannon (Colorado Rapids, MLS, 30 years old, 27 games, 1.20 GAA, 76% Saves – USMNT: 2 caps): Great shot blocker. Limited ability to distribute with the ball at his feet. If other options fade, it might be tempting to have a pure shot stopper on the bench.
6. Kevin Hartman (Los Angeles Galaxy, MLS, 31 years old, 31 games, 1.39 GAA, 69% Saves: USMNT – 3 caps): The fact that this talented, but slightly eccentric keeper who is on the downside of his career is on the depth chart is an indication that US keepers are not what they once were.
7. Aden Brown (Aeslund, Norway, 27 years old, 20 games – USMNT: UNCAPPED): Even more gifted and physically imposing than Howard. His career has been hampered by injuries and playing in Norway means he has not been available for the USMNT like some of the MLS keepers. But he is available in January/February and I suspect he will get a chance in the camp during that period.

DEFENDERS [8]: Arena recognizes he needs to both carry more defenders and healthier ones in order to preserve his flexibility to use a 4 back set if injuries occur. Cover will be provided from the midfield as well.

1. Eddie Lewis (Leeds United, English Championship, 31 years old, 16 games, 2 goals – USMNT: 68 caps, 9 goals): A lock to make the squad and likely to start, the only question is where. Based on his late qualification performances, he is likely to start at left back if Arena uses 4 backs or left wingback if a 3 back set is chosen. Not known for his defensive work and has so far relied upon his offensive skills to keep opposing wingers on their back foot and limit their attacking. There is some question what will happen if he is required to really defend against a world class attacker – though there is the same question with most of the other options. Also provides an option on free kicks.
2. Onguchi Onyewu (Standard, Belgium, 23 years old, 12 games, 1 goal – USMNT: 11 caps, 1 goal): Has emerged as the US’s best performing central defender after a period of merely being the most imposing. No real weaknesses in his game as he is very quick for such a large man. Imposing in the air, decent with his feet with closing speed. His main weaknesses are inconsistency, especially tactically and over aggressiveness – his recent run of red cards for his club side is extremely worrisome.
3. Steve Cherundolo (Hanover 96, Bundesliga, 26 years old, 4 games – USMNT: 30 caps): Perfect right back in the Arena system. Excellent tactically, good passer, capable going forward out of the back. Appears to have compensated for his lack of size and strength. Obvious starter at right back and possibly in a right wingback role in a 3-5-2.
4. Cory Gibbs (Feyenoord, Holland, 25 years old – USMNT: 17 caps): Solid, if unexciting, defender. Size and speed are excellent. Tactical ability is solid based on years in Germany and with Feynoord. A lock for the squad and a strong case to start if he heals and reclaims regular playing time with his club.
5. Carlos Bocanegra (Fullham, English Premier, 26 years old, 8 games – USMNT: 37 caps, 6 goals): After years of playing out of position at left back, he seems to have found a groove playing centrally for Fullham. Since this is his primary position for the USMNT, this should boost his bid to start. His ability to play left back basically guarantees him a spot on the roster even if he is beaten out at central defender.
6. Greg Berhalter (Energie Cottbus, Bundesliga 2, 32 years old, 10 games, 1 goal – USMNT: 42 caps): Right now, he is the most impressive of the older generation and the best bet to provide an experienced option on the squad. Lack of speed is his biggest weakness and he would have to be used carefully to avoid being exposed for it. But he is still capable of a strong performance against most forwards that will be thrown at him. His left foot can be an offensive weapon as well.
7. Jonathon Spector (Charleton Athletic, English Premier, 19 years old, 5 games – USMNT: 2 caps): Loads of talent and should improve playing regularly in one of the toughest leagues in the world. His ability to play all four back line positions and in midfield is a huge plus in his favor. Has to continue to play at the club level and he needs to put in at least one strong international performance to make the squad.
8. Chris Albright (Los Angeles Galaxy, MLS, 26 years old, 22 games, 1 goal, 2 assists – USMNT: 18 caps, 1 goal): Neck and neck with Hejduk for the back-up outside back spot – both are capable on either side, as well as at outside wingback in a 3-5-2. Albright’s advantages over Hejduk are size, better crossing ability and youth.
9. Frank Hejduk (Columbus Crew, MLS, 31 years old, 18 games, 3 goals – USMNT: 69 caps, 5 goals): It will be difficult to leave off this versatile performer whose main advantage is a proven ability to perform on the big stages of the sport. However, his body seems to be showing signs of age and Arena will be tempted to go with the younger, bigger version. But this is a tough battle that will probably depend on health and performance in camps and friendlies.
10. Chad Marshall (Columbus Crew, MLS, 21 years old, 30 games, 1 goal, 3 assists – 4 caps): Great talent in all defensive areas, except he may not be the quickest player. IF Arena is really committed to youth, Marshall could make the squad.
11. Dan Califf (San Jose Earthquakes, MLS, 25, 20 games, 2 goals – USMNT: 13 caps, 1 goal): Solid, solid defender with significant international experience at all levels. Biggest weakness is a lack of versatility, along with not being the quickest player in the pool. Will have a chance to earn a spot over Berhalter and Pope.
12. Eddie Pope (Real Salt, Lake, MLS, 31 years old, 20 games, 1 goal – USMNT: 72 caps, 6 goals): Best US defender ever, combined timing, tactical sense, quickness, strength in the air and confidence on the ball. He would be the perfect choice to provide leadership and late game situation play except that his skills in all areas seem to have eroded greatly in the last 12 months. His brittleness has also become even more of an issue, which makes giving him a roster spot a big risk. Pope on the roster might have the most upside but the risks appear to make it fairly unlikely.
13. Jimmy Conrad (Kansas City Wizards, MLS, 28 years old, 25 games, 2 goals, 2 assists – USMNT: 7 caps): Solid central defender and good clubhouse presence. Not capable of playing other positions and lack of an outstanding attribute may work against him.
14. Heath Pearce (FC Nordsjaelland, Denmark Superliga, 21 years old, 15 games – USMNT: UNCAPPED): Nearly 12 months of starting in a good league for a decent side. He also has youth national team experience. I don’t know anything more about him than this, but he does play at a shallow position for the Nats, left back. If he has a shot, he will be in the Scotland camp.
15. Greg Vanney (FC Dallas, MLS, 31 years old, 25 games, 1 assist – USMNT: 37 caps, 1 goal): Can play centrally or on the left. If anyone should have played himself out of the pool, he is the guy. But his experience and ability to play several defensive positions, along with his powerful left pool, keeps him in the competition for left back and related roles despite his lack of speed.
16. Robbie Russell (Rosenborg, Norway, 26 years old, 2 games – USMNT: UNCAPPED): Talented big, fast right back. Unfortunately, he has been injury-plagued the last 12 months and playing in Norway has made him unavailable at certain key times. If he is healthy, he could get an invite to the Janauary camp and if he impresses, who knows.
17. Wade Barrett (San Jose Earthquakes, MLS, 29 years old, 30 games, 1 goal, 2 assists – USMNT: 1 cap): Decent left back, though not viewed as playing as well as he was a few years ago. He is the only dedicated left back on the depth chart, but despite that fact, Lewis, JOB, Bocanegra, Albright, Hejduk and maybe even Berhalter all appearing to be better options. A real longshot.
18. Jay DeMerit (Watford, English Championship, 25 years old, 7 games, 1 goal – USMNT: UNCAPPED): Unknown 12 months ago, but a year of starting in the highly competitive English Championship have brought him into the pool. Inexperienced internationally and not the tallest central defender in the pool. But is tactically strong, decent on the ball with good instincts. If he has any shot at a strong position for the USMNT, he will be in camp for the Scotland game.
19. Frankie Simek (Sheffield Wednesday, English Championship, 21 years old, 16 games – USMNT: UNCAPPED): Also starting in the English Championship, but for less time than Demerit. But he does have youth international experience, an Arsenal pedigree and plays a position where the US is not deep – outside back. Like DeMerit, he needs an invite to the Scotland camp to be considered a serious contender.

MIDFIELDERS[8]: A real strength of the US team, though the talent is not evenly distributed by position. Midfielders will also provide cover at defender and forward.

1. Claudio Reyna (Manchester City, English Premier, 32 years old, 9 games, 1 goal – USMNT: 109 caps, 8 goals): Captain, multiple World Cup finals, strong club career in three different countries, the list goes on. Strength is holding the ball and distributing it. Good defensive effort and tactically very strong. Can deliver the final through ball and scores some goals, though not enough to justify playing him as a true attacking midfielder. His ability to vary the pace of the game makes him a critical starter – though I think Arena will rest him some to keep him fresh if he can. Can also play on the right side of midfield, though Arena apparently does not prefer to use him this way.
2. Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy, MLS, 23 years old, 22 games, 12 goals, 10 assists – USMNT: 73 caps, 24 goals): On track to be top US goal scorer ever. Accused of disappearing at times, but record in key games is good. Provides danger through his speed and ability to create with the ball. No one else on the roster is capable of creating opportunities from the center of the field like Donovan doese. A big factor at forward as well. One of the best US options on free kicks.
3. DeMarcus Beasley (PSV Eindhoven, Holland, 23 years old, 8 games, 1 goal – USMNT: 53 games, 11 goals): Another sure starter, though hopefully on a wing. Left is really his best side, though he plays plenty on the right for his club side as well. Blistering pace, tactical acumen, good finishing and two-way ability are critical.
4. Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado Rapids, MLS, 29 years old, 14 games, 1 goal – USMNT: 44 caps): Best of the US “destroyers” – strong physical presence balanced by good ball skills. Passing could be better. He also can play in the central defense.
5. John O’Brien (ADO Den Haag, Holland, 28 years old, 3 games – USMNT: 28 caps, 4 goals): Injuries keep him this low on the chart. But he is the only other player besides Reyna who excels at holding the ball and controlling the pace of the game. Excellent distributor from deep positions, not really effective when playing closer to his goal. Can at least provide cover at left back as well.
6. Bobby Convey (Reading, English Championship, 22 years old, 17 games, 2 goals – USMNT: 33 caps, 1 goal): Attacking midfielder reportedly in fine form with his club side (oh how the world turns). Fast, likes to run at people, excellent crosser, decent short-to medium passer. Very dodgy finisher. Potential free kick taker as well. Most experienced on the left side, has played on the right and some experience centrally as well.
7. Clint Dempsey (New England Revolution, 22 years old, 26 games, 10 goals, 9 assists – USMNT: 13 caps, 2 goals): So far, a jack of all trades and a master of none as he can probably play any position in the midfield, though he appears to be significantly better in the center. But even there, he is not a true defensive midfielder and lacks the passing ability to be the focal point of the offense ala Donovan. His performances with the USMNT have been declining (maybe he is tiring after a long season as his club performances do not seem as good as they were early in the season as well), but his ability to get goals and versatility give him a decent chance of making the team.
8. Eddie Gaven (Metrostars, MLS, 19 years old, 28 games, 8 goals, 4 assists – USMNT: 2 caps): A long-shot as his standing with the Nats actually dropped this year along with his club form and a disappointing performance at the World Youth Cup. But, several factors make him the slight favorite (well below 50% chance, of course) to grab the last midfield spot. He has been playing on the right recently, which is where the US has a big gaping hole. His ability to score and his skill on the dribble exceed those of his competitors by some distance. Youth. But he will really need to make a mark in his chances, assuming Arena is inclined to bring him back into the pool on the basis of what he has done with the Metros this year.
9. Steve Ralston (New England Revolution, MLS, 31 years old, 21 games, 1 goal, 6 assists – USMNT: 31 caps, 3 goals): Strange to have him this low since he has been a regular starter. But age does appear to be catching up with him and his lack of explosive quickness has always made him less than dangerous against strong international competition. He can sever a nice ball and is experienced, as well as being a solid defensive midfielder. His chances depend on the other options failing.
10. Richard Mulrooney (FC Dallas, MLS, 29 years old, 7 games, 2 goals, 2 assists – USMNT: 13 caps): Perenial member of pool, but has never really made it to the forefront. However, the Armas injury gives him a real shot. Strong positional defender, decent ball skills, can shoot from distance and good passer. Main weakness is whether he is a physical and athletic enough presence to really disrupt the opposition. Recovery from injury will be a real issue too.
11. Brian Carroll (DC United, MLS, 24 years old, 32 games, 1 goal, 3 assists – USMNT: 1 cap): Arena could decide that JOB, Reyna, Dempsey and maybe Spector provide enough cover at dmid so that he doesn’t need a pure dmid for spot use and cover in case of injury. The reason such a decision would be tempting is that Carroll is currently simply not as good as the other guys in the forward pool. But historically, Arena has seemingly demonstrated a preference for this type of player. Carroll covers a lot of ground and it goes without saying that he has a big motor. His passing is inconsistent and his other offensive skills are nothing of value at the international level.
12. Rico Clark (San Jose Earthquakes, MLS, 22 years old, 3 goals, 2 assists – USMNT: 1 cap): Great prospect as an all around midfielder. Physical presence, ball skills and ability to score from distance and get forward make him a tempting option at either a “Reyna-like” role or as dmid. The only reason he is not higher on the chart is because Arena doesn’t seem to view him as a destroyer. Too bad as that is where a real opening is in this midfield.
13. Santino Quarenta (DC United, MLS, 21 years old, 18 games, 5 goals, 5 assists – USMNT: 8 caps): All the talent in the world and a natural right midfielder, with the added ability to play left, centrally or up top. But character remains an issue with his poor performance for the USMNT in Guatemala and for DCU in the Fire creating grave doubts whether this is a guy you can rely upon. Will get opportunities to shine, but these doubts will remain even if he performs well. Main reason for optimism is the lack of other options in the pool.
14. Pat Noonan (New England Revolution, 25 years old, 21 games, 8 goals, 7 assists – USMNT: 10 caps): Appears better suited as a forward in MLS, but given that he is neither a big forward or a speed forward, wide midfield may be his best shot. Not a natural right midfielder, but given the performance of other options and the need to have at least one guy who can play wide right in the midfield, he is not yet out of chances.
15. Justin Mapp (Chicago Fire, MLS, 21 years old, 29 games, 3 goals, 8 assists – USMNT: 1 cap): Super talent with the advantage of being able to play on the right, even though he is left-footed. Impressed in only USMNT cap, though he produced nothing despite a lot of noise. Rare US player in that he prefers to run at players. Work ethic questioned by some.
16. Kerry Zavagin (Kansas City, MLS, 31 years old, 28 games, 4 assists – USMNT: 14 caps): Armas’ injury has offered him a great chance to make the squad, but his form seems to be dipping. If Arena really insists on a second destroyer and Zavagin recovers his best form, he will give the team a player who is in position, can harass the opponents attack and make basic passes to start the attack. He is less than optimal because of his lack of physical ability and his mediocre ball skills.
17. Kyle Martino (Columbus Crew, MLS, 24 years old, 27 games, 8 assists – USMNT: 7 caps): Good showing against Panama boosted his chances, but a down season with the Crew and questions about where he would play for the USMNT are negatives. Very skilled player with the ball at his feet, though he doesn’t always produce much for his shows of skill. Would like to see if he can do the work required to play a true central midfield role, maybe in Scotland.
18. Chris Klein (Kansas City Wizards, MLS, 29 years old, 31 games, 7 goals, 9 assists – USMNT: 16 caps, 3 goals): Experienced player with the USNNT, but one who has never entirely convinced. Decent speed, a nose for the goal, good crosser and good physical presence are his strengths. His weakness really centers around the fact that he is not really outstanding, on the international level, in any area of his game, making him appear toothless at times.
19. Brian West (Fredrikstaad, Norway, 27 years old, 19 games, 3 goals – USMNT: 7 caps): Fast player with nose for the goal. Great season the year before in Norway; this season hampered by injuries. The timing of the Norwegian season plus untimely injuries have hampered his opportunity to move up the roster. He should be available for the January camps but will need to make an impression. Once again, being able to play right wing keeps him in the competition.
20. Brad Davis (San Jose Earthquakes, MLS, 23 years old, 18 games, 2 goals, 8 assists – USMNT: 2 caps): His left foot is one of the best around, especially in terms of accurate forward passing and free kicks. Not the most athletic midfielder in the pool. Missed his chance to establish himself with so-so performance during the Gold Cup. Playing at one of the most stacked positions, left midfield, plus his late season injuries makes Davis a long-shot to move up the depth chart.
21. Brian Mullan (San Jose Earthquakes, MLS, 27 years old, 25 games, 3 goals, 6 assists – USMNT: 2 caps): Has had camp experience, but never really given a full shot by Arena for some reason. Can play right back as well. Brings ability to beat people off the dribble and has had strong club season after strong club season. But if he has not caught on yet, it seems unlikely he will do so now.
22. Cobi Jones (Los Angeles Galaxy, MLS, 35 years old, 31 games, 3 goals, 6 assists – USMNT: 165 caps, 15 goals): Once again, the eternal NAT is here simply because he seems to remain one of the better right mids in MLS and the other options don’t inspire a lot of confidence. As a late game spark or attitude guy, he would really be the best guy for the job.
23. Peter Vaegnas (Los Angeles Galaxy, MLS, 27 years old, 29 games, 5 goals, 4 assists – USMNT: 3 caps): Another of those who might be resurrected because of Armas’s injury. Unfortunately, he is more of a two-way midfielder than a destroyer and he has failed to make inroads in this role. But Arena may be looking for defensive-minded midfielders and Vaegnas could get another shot.
24. Clint Mathis (Real Salt Lake, MLS, 28 years old, 27 games, 3 goals, 4 assists – USMNT: 46 games, 8 goals): One of the most talented guys in the pool. But his combination of por on-field performance and off-field issues has turned that talent into something useless even at the MLS level. He is on the chart only because, with his talent, anything is possible.

FORWARDS[4]: This position is thrown into question by club status and injuries to the top two guys and the fact that there is very little differentiating positions three to the end as guys appear to be competing with each other to demonstrate why they should not be on the team. Depending on the situation in midfield, Landon Donovan may start at one of the forward spots and DeMarcus Beasley is an option as well.
1. Brian McBride (Fullham, English Premier, 33 years old, 11 games, 3 goals – USMNT: 91 caps, 29 goals): His status at Fullham will be key to whether McBride can successfully lead the US line – when he fell out of favor at Fullham last season, his form with the Nats declined and he fell out of the starting lineup. Fully fit and at the top of his game, he brings determination, strength to hold the ball, heading ability, vision and good touch. His finishing is at times streaky but he has been consistent in this area in the last 12 months. His one main weakness is a lack of speed.
2. Eddie Johnson (FC Dallas, MLS, 21 years old, 15 games, 5 goals, 2 assists – USMNT: 10 caps, 7 goals): By far the best forward in the pool. Like JOB, he is lower on the depth chart because of the seriousness of his injury, which has been long-term enough to throw his entire career in question. But if he is healthy, he is a player who has speed, size, heading ability and dribbling ability that is absolutely unmatched in the US player pool. The only real variables, besides his foot, are attitude and possibly the consistency of his finishing.
3. Taylor Twellman (New England Revolution, 25 years old, 25 games, 17 goals, 7 assists – USMNT: 13 caps, 1 goal): All-energy player who is a great finisher at the club level. For him to make the team, he needs to stop missing easy finishes for the USMNT and start making the difficult finishes that he makes in MLS. It’s that simple for Twellman.
4. Josh Wolff (Kansas City Wizards, 28 years old, 22 games, 10 goals, 10 assists – USMNT: 37 caps, 7 goals): Has a poor goals-to-minutes played ratio for the Nats. But few of his competitors are doing much better and Wolff’s off the ball runs and ability to draw fouls at least makes him useful even when not scoring. Experience is a big plus for him. Passing ability has also improved with experience. I would expect Wolff, if healthy, which is always an issue with him, to get a chance to make his case against Scotland.
5. Brian Ching (San Jose Earthquakes, MLS, 27 years old, 16 games, 7 goals, 5 assists – USMNT: 10 caps, 2 goals): Pure power forward who can hold the ball well, but who lacks McBride’s ability to see the field. Strong record finishing consistently at all levels. Not as slow as he would appear. However, injuries this season seem to have retarded his development and he is coming off several less-than-inspiring performances for the USMNT.
6. Jeff Cunningham (Colorado Rapids, MLS, 29 years old, 12 goals, 3 assists – USMNT: 10 caps): Breakout MLS season, though one punctuated with disputes with his coach. One of the best dribblers in the pool and has speed to take advantage of his dribbling ability. Weakness is playing with others. However, he has certainly shown enough to get more chances to state his case.
7. Conor Casey (Mainz, Bundesliga, 24 years old – USMNT: 8 caps): Underachieving with the USMNT even more his knee injury. Strong target forward with surprisingly good foot skills. Tends to be over aggressive and even clumsy chasing the ball. His record of finishing is not as strong as one would hope given his skill set. In order for him to make the squad he must (a) recover from injury, (b) earn playing time for his club, (c) find time to play for the USMNT and (d) play well for the USMNT. IMHO, there is not a high probability of all four conditions occurring, leaving Casey a tough road to hoe to earn a roster position.
8. Edson Buddle (Columbus Crew, MLS, 24 years old, 23 games, 9 goals, 2 assists – USMNT: 1 cap): Another super talent who can’t seem to get it together. Big, strong, quick with good ball skills and at times, awesome finishing ability – the closest thing to Eddie Johnson in the pool. Rumors of attitude issues and is not universally loved by his own fans. On talent alone, he should have a shot to make it but since I am not privy to off-the-field issues, I won’t be surprised if
9. Nate Jacqua (Chicago Fire, MLS, 24 years old, 18 games, 7 goals, 3 assists – USMNT: UNCAPPED): Breakthrough first 3 months of the season followed by injuries. In playoff game against DCU he demonstrated that he is finally back, winning every ball in the air. Combines aerial prowess with decent speed and good foot skills. Inexperience is a huge factor against him.
10. Chris Rolfe (Chicago Fire, MLS, 22 years old, 29 games, 8 goals, 5 assists -- USMNT: UNCAPPED): Fast, smart and tough, with good finishing ability. Biggest advantage is the ability to play the fast forward role often favored by Arena. Of course, lack of experience is a huge negative along with the concern that he is not quite fast enough for his game to translate from MLS to the international level.
11. Herculez Gomez (Los Angeles Galaxy, MLS, 23 years old, 22 games, 11 goals, 2 assists -- USMNT: UNCAPPED): Great record of scoring in all competitions for the Galaxy. Like Rolfe, a Cinderella story in that he had no real reputation before this year. Adds free kick ability to good speed. Not the biggest forward and there is some concern that he would be a “tweener” – neither a big forward or a fast forward.
12. Freddie Adu (DC United, MLS, 16 years old, 25 games, 4 goals, 6 assists -- USMNT: UNCAPPED): Too much talent to rule out the possibility that he will put it altogether. Not likely this World Cup, but if no other strong candidates appear maybe it would make sense to take him just for the experience.

 

Slow period at work, no doubt.

 

No comments. My assumption is based on the fact that he went with Carroll against Panama despite the fact that Clark had been in camp longer and then subbed in Carroll for Martino. Not concrete by any means.

My opinion is that lower guys will be mainly young guys as is keeping with BA's history -- which as you can see, I see differently than you.

I can't see Sanneh making a comeback since he can't get time for Chicago.

Olsen is a possibility still, but I will take Friedel at his word that he is retired and won't go. As for Armas, he won't be ready, so he is not a competitor.

I know 64 is too big of a number, but I did rank order them in terms of likelihood of maknig the team. After the Scotland and January camps, I will feel more comfortable cutting the list down by a lot.

 

Yes. The first set of stats is league club games this year.

As for Ching, I really don't mean to put him down --it's more that I think McBride is exceptional at this.

Red Card: I have only seen Rossi play a few times, but I would think he would fall right into the 3 to 6 range on the forward depth chart with a real shot at making the squad. But he would probably have to go right now and show up in Scotland as ManU won't want to release him for friendlies next year.

Ursula: For me, having only four categories makes it easier to predict who will make it as I really think Arena is pretty flexible and willing to find a way to get his best 11 players on the field, considering tactics, in a way that makes sense. In other words, he won't necessarily use a right winger or a destroyer if that isn't the way to maximize his talent and play tactically smart. So breaking it down to more precise "positions" doesn't work for me, at least at this stage in the winnowing process.

I am really disappointed by the spelling errors as I have worked so hard to overcome this problem. Thank you Mike for not letting me slide back into those sloppy ways.

 

I did too until Ching's last set of appearances for the NATS. Yuck!