The US team already has two excellent keepers, but I can't help but feel that Hartman should be there as the #3 man, with possible duty in the next World Cup. He has really matured, remained solid, and has been nearly flawless this year for the Galaxy. I always felt he was the better choice between Reis/Hartman, although Reis is worthy of being a starter in MLS. As for the victories vs. San Jose, we can thank Hartman for keeping us in the game. Just my humbly submitted 2 cents, worth exactly $.02. Topper
He was called in to camp a few times for the Nats but has never played. he was on the right track until Belly-man started messing with the starting spot. I have always believed kev good enough to play for a small club in europe. Now the goalkeeper is so full its gonna be hard. Keller, Freidel, Howard, Cannon, Thornton, Meola, and Hartman all contenders. And that doesn't include the young guns like DJ countess. I do hope he gets the nod though
We've got a lot of good keepers. Maybe he can contribute, but seeing as the Galaxy have given America Cobi Jones, what more can we ask for?
Actually, Hartman did play for the Nats. He played vs. Jamaica in 1999. He was also the first choice 'keeper for LA in 2000; only in 2001 did Reis take his #1 spot with LA. But his Nat days (this WC cycle) were pretty much over at that point in time (2001). About the only thing his poor play in 2001 - or lack of playing time - would've hurt was his chance to be the #5 U.S. 'keeper. In 2000 and 2001 Hartman was in the same boat as Tim Howard, Adin Brown, Matt Jordan, Scott Garlick, David Kramer, Tom Presthus, and Nick Rimando. Arena wanted to look at these 'keepers, but he decided Keller, Friedel, Meola, and Thornton (these are the only 'keepers Arena used in 2000 and 2001 - not playing for LA in 2001 on a regular basis didn't hurt Hartman's chances) were better . Joe Cannon hasn't even been called into a camp and he has been the best 'keeper in MLS the past two years. Don't read too much into the fact that Hartman isn't the #3 U.S. 'keeper at the moment. Meola and Thornton had that tag long before Hartman was benched.