It's been about another year since I did one of these, once again due to incurable laziness. As with last year's list, I'm going to set out a 23-man depth chart, with the goal of choosing two players per position for Jurgen's 4-2-3-1, and of course a third keeper. Anyone that is currently on the roster of a foreign team, is eligible. Currently-injured players are eligible, but can't be starters - long-term injuries only. Enjoy. STARTERS CF: Jozy Altidore, Sunderland, EPL CAM: Sacha Kljestan, Anderlecht, Belgian Jupiler League RW: Alejandro Bedoya, Nantes, Ligue 1 LW: Fabian Johnson, Hoffenheim, 1. Bundesliga Box-to-Box CM: Michael Bradley, Roma, Serie A CDM: Jermaine Jones, Schalke, 1. Bundesliga LB: DaMarcus Beasley, Puebla, Liga MX CB: John Anthony Brooks, Berlin, 1. Bundesliga CB: Geoff Cameron, Stoke City, EPL RB: Timmy Chandler, Nurnberg, 1. Bundesliga GK: Tim Howard, Everton, EPL RESERVES CF: Aron Johannsson, Alkmaar, Eredivisie CAM: Joe Corona, Tijuana, Liga MX RW: Paul Arriola, Tijuana, Liga MX LW: Brek Shea, Stoke City, EPL Box-to-Box CM: Mikkel Diskerud, Tippeligaen CDM: Maurice Edu, Stoke City, EPL LB: Eric Lichaj, Nottingham Forrest, The Championship CB: Tim Ream, Bolton, The Championship CB: Michael Orozco, Puebla, Liga MX RB: Michael Parkhurst, Augsburg, 1. Bundesliga GK: Brad Guzan, Aston Villa, EPL GK: Brad Friedel, Tottenham, EPL ANALYSIS There's been quite a bit of turnover since last year, with Donovan having stayed home in LA for over a year, and Dempsey moving back to MLS. Bocanegra, Onyewu, and Goodson are all no longer plying their trade abroad. Josh Gatt has had a long term injury, and realistically would not make the 23 due to the form of others. On the face of it, the team is weaker than the one from Spring 2012, however there is alot of young talent that could signify the ascension of the new generation of American talent. Jozy is miles beyond where he was last year, and Johannsson, Arriola, Brooks, and Bedoya are poised for breakout seasons. With a little bit of injury luck, Shea could be right there with them, as he looks to be a good fit for Hughes' system. The defense, particularly the right side, looks particularly vulnerable. Other than that, there is solidity throughout the lineup. In goal, Howard just barely edged out Guzan as the starter, mostly due to the fact that he is still starting for the actual USMNT. Finally, the big takeaway from this years depth chart is that more and more quality American players are choosing to stay home, from Gonzalez, Beasler, and Zusi, to the aforementioned Dempsey, Donovan, and Bocanegra. It will be interesting to see whether the trend continues for next year's team.
The previous lineups: Spring 2012 https://www.bigsoccer.com/community/threads/yas-in-the-usmnt-spring-2012.1940695 Winter 2011 https://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1651478 Summer 2010 https://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1593326 Winter 2010 https://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1322281 Summer 2009 https://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1096896 That last thread lists YAs that played for the USMNT in '02, '06, '07, and '08. Our depth has slowly but surely improved to where we have reliable options that play regularly all over the field.