A look at the recently named US roster (goalkeepers)
(I will offer up posts on goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and forwards on the U.S. national team roster called up by Bob Bradley for the team's upcoming friendlies vs. Ecuador and Guatemala. First up are the goalkeepers).
It is Kasey Keller vs. Tim Howard, Part One. Keller was Bruce Arena's unquestioned top choice but it is clear that Bradley sees Howard being ready to take the No. 1 role. The thing is Keller is still capable of starting and Bradley surely wants to maintain a competitive situation so that all players remain sufficiently motivated. The fact that Keller hasn't retired tells me he will be ready to start in one of the tounaments this summer. Which one? I see him better suited for Copa America, as a veteran presence on what should be a younger team than the Gold Cup squad. Howard should get the Gold Cup nod, with either Marcus Hahnemann or Joe Cannon backing him up.
As for Brad Guzan, I think Bradley took the player best suited to be a third fiddle and the best young keeper who could benefit from being around Keller and Howard. Joe Cannon and Matt Reis aren't as well-suited for that role in this camp. I still think Guzan is crazy raw, but Bradley is familiar with him and sees potential.
Defenders are up next (I'll try to get to it later today).
The more I see of Timmy Howard, the more I like him. I hope that he asserts himself with Gold Cup (or wherever he plays).
Posted by: tacologic | March 16, 2007 at 09:35 AM
I can see Keller in the Gold Cup actually. For whatever reason he seems to really like that tournament. I'm too lazy to find his old quotes, but I remember his speaking about it is a special event for him.
Posted by: DCU Fan | March 16, 2007 at 10:50 AM
I frankly don't get the Keller selection. He had a mediocre WC and - like his team - has not shined much this year in Germany. Why not pick Friedel? He is having a very good year for Blackburn. Has he retired?
Posted by: madbelgian | March 16, 2007 at 12:16 PM
Time to quit treating Howard with kid gloves. I popped in a tape that said "U.S. v. Brazil" It was from 4 years ago. Howard was the keeper against a solid Brazil team ('dinho, Adriano). He did great. He's vastly more experienced than he was then. Let him be the man.
Posted by: RalleeMonkey | March 16, 2007 at 12:33 PM
Brad Friedel did in fact retire from the National Team. I believe it was in 2002 after the World Cup or some time in 2003.
Posted by: inkedAG | March 16, 2007 at 01:40 PM
Why call up Keller? Keller won't be a factor for the 2010 WC so why not take this opportunity to find out about the other guys? Also, it's a friendly. We all know what Keller brings to the table, let's find out about the GK's who will actually be around for the next WC.
I think that Howard and Hahnemann each can split the #1 role in both tournaments this summer. They are both playing regularly in one of the best leagues in the world, let's see how they perform at an int'l level.
Let Keller stay in Germany so he can help Gladbach avoid the drop.
Posted by: George H. | March 16, 2007 at 07:03 PM
Keller has said that he wants to play in 2010. He's still searching for that first WC win. Poor guy, not sure if he'll ever get one after such a stellar career.
Posted by: Dominghosa | March 16, 2007 at 08:10 PM