Davies, Nguyen and Kamani Hill named to US squad vs. China
I told you folks in this morning's Q & A that Bob Bradley would have some nice surprises in store for the China rosters and he did, calling in Charlie Davies, Lee Nguyen and Kamani Hill for the friendly on Saturday.
Nguyen is the biggest surprise, having just recovered from shoulder surgery. I didn't think he would be back this soon but if he is close to fit then he is a very strong candidate for the Copa America roster. Davies, currently playing in Sweden, and Hill, fresh off his debut in the German Bundesliga, are also very intriguing prospects and Copa America candidates.
The fact that Chivas USA is off this weekend means Bradley can call in some long-time favorites in veterans Ante Razov and Jesse Marsch. That will probably annoy those US fans who are easily annoyed but it's a nice gesture on his part to two players who he has enjoyed much success with.
Here is the rest of the US roster:
GOALKEEPERS (3) – Brad Guzan (Chivas USA), Tim Howard (Everton FC), Kasey Keller (Borussia Moenchengladbach)
DEFENDERS (6) –Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham FC), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Jay DeMerit (Watford FC), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard de Liege), Frank Simek (Sheffield Wednesday), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United)
MIDFIELDERS (7) – DaMarcus Beasley (PSV Eindhoven), Michael Bradley (SC Heerenveen), Clint Dempsey (Fulham FC), Benny Feilhaber (Hamburger SV), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Jesse Marsch (Chivas USA), Lee Nguyen (PSV Eindhoven)
FORWARDS (3) – Charlie Davies (Hammarby IF), Kamani Hill (VfL Wolfsburg), Ante Razov (Chivas USA)
Do you like the roster? Hate it? Post your thoughts below.
Eh...not the biggest fan of Razov, but at least he's a finisher. for all the problems I have with his game he absolutely doesn't miss from close range and that's something that not every forward can say.
Posted by: kpugs | May 29, 2007 at 06:08 PM
Does this mean the players who were called up to the Gold Cup 9who are now in the Nats camp) will be able to play this weekend for their respective MLS teams?
Posted by: JHJG89 | May 29, 2007 at 06:16 PM
at least we'll finally get some decent looks at Hill and Davies up front...
question i have is, tho... the forward position is pretty bare here, with razov out of the mix for a while and davies/hill both uncapped...
considering beas has a future up front, and dempsey played some forward with fulham... what're the chances that they might get a look up top against china?
Posted by: Steveinho | May 29, 2007 at 06:32 PM
Ives,
I like that Bradley is taking a look at some new forwards in Hill and Davies. What do you think the odds of Jeremiah White getting a look at right midfield are?
Thanks,
Tim
Posted by: tsingletonvt | May 29, 2007 at 06:45 PM
Intriguing to say the least. I like the gamble with Spector, Simek, and DeMerit in the back and Hill, Davies, and Nguyen on the attack. We still have a long way to go before we get to being a top 10 team. This can be an interesting game.
Posted by: eastlachiva | May 29, 2007 at 07:25 PM
I'm very interested to see Nguyen play. Wanna see how good this kid is. Tho he hasn't played in a couple months due to injury. Hopefully he'll see some quality time.
Posted by: Dominghosa | May 29, 2007 at 07:42 PM
I like this a lot. Kind of surprised that we didn't an Altidore, Adu, or Sturgis on that list, but I like taking chances a lot. Good to get these guys some seasoning and see how good they are.
Posted by: Ben | May 29, 2007 at 07:46 PM
Here is teh answer to your question JHJG89... All Euro based players have been in camp since 5/23 and the MLS Gold Cup players will report to camp on 6/3...so the answer tou your question is Yes.
Posted by: ag nigrin | May 29, 2007 at 08:09 PM
Ben, no altidore, Adu, or sturgis because their MLS teams are playing this weekend, only chivas isnt. all the players are either chivas players or euro-based
Posted by: anthony bouts | May 29, 2007 at 08:42 PM
I like that Bradley called in the young players from Europe, but Marsch and Razov? Razov is a good finisher, as kpugs said. But Marsch is not an international right now--there has to be two other players he could have called in for this match.
Posted by: Mike | May 29, 2007 at 09:20 PM
You have to wonder that if they called in Hill, Nguyen, and Davies, they might as well have called in Ferrari as well instead of Razov.
Posted by: Ben | May 29, 2007 at 09:50 PM
But now I just remembered that Ferrari is with the U-20s. But so is Bradley, so it still doesn't make that much sense to leave Ferrari out and call up Razov.
Posted by: Ben | May 29, 2007 at 09:52 PM
if marsch can get a call up, there's hope yet for cletus!
Posted by: erik | May 29, 2007 at 10:55 PM
Go Eagles!
Charlie Davies, mofos!
Posted by: metroFlip73 | May 30, 2007 at 12:15 AM
Love it. Looking forward to seeing the young'uns.
Posted by: Joamiq | May 30, 2007 at 01:59 AM
And people upset about Marsch and Razov need to chill. I think it's safe to say neither is going 90. They're not exactly the main features of this roster.
Posted by: Joamiq | May 30, 2007 at 02:02 AM
what's the word on cory gibbs? has he recovered from his injuries?
Posted by: mark | May 30, 2007 at 07:26 AM
I feel bad for Nguyen. He's getting his shot at the big time and he wont be 100%/at full form. The kid is an unbelievable player (played on my brother's club team) and I'd hate to see his shot at the full team marred bc he's not at full ability. I dont know if anyone else agrees, but that type of stuff can ultimately hurt a players chances at the big time.
Posted by: EmorySoccer | May 30, 2007 at 09:34 AM