Klinsmann names squad for Mexico clash - FIFA CONFEDERATIONS CUP
 |
| Getty Images |
United States coach Jurgen Klinsmann named an experienced 23-man squad on Saturday for next week's make-or-break shoot-out against Mexico for a place in the FIFA Confederations Cup Russia 2017. Klinsmann, still smarting from his side's elimination on home soil from the CONCACAF Gold Cup in July, is banking on the bulk of the squad which reached the knockout stages of last year's FIFA World Cup™.
The Americans face Mexico in a play-off match at the Pasadena Rose Bowl in California on 10 October, with the winner advancing to the Confederations Cup in Russia.
"This roster is obviously full of experience," said Klinsmann. "This is about having a group of players who understand exactly now what this is all about. This is about momentum. This is about high energy. This is about representing my country. This is about belief and a high-level of aggressiveness in a one-off game to beat Mexico and to get to the Confederations Cup. It's a unique opportunity, and you have to embrace it and give everything you have."
The USA squad contains seven players with 50 or more caps and four - DaMarcus Beasley, Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey, Tim Howard - that have made more than 100 appearances for the United States. Sixteen members of the squad were part of the USA squad in Brazil.
USA squad to play Mexico on Saturday 10 October:
Goalkeepers: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)
Defenders: Ventura Alvarado (Club America), DaMarcus Beasley (Houston Dynamo), Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City), Brad Evans (Seattle Sounders FC), Fabian Johnson (Borussia Monchengladbach), Michael Orozco (Club Tijuana), Tim Ream (Fulham), Jonathan Spector (Birmingham City)
Midfielders: Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Alejandro Bedoya (Nantes), Michael Bradley (Toronto FC), Jermaine Jones (New England Revolution), Danny Williams (Reading), DeAndre Yedlin (Sunderland), Graham Zusi (Sporting KC)
Forwards: Jozy Altidore (Toronto FC), Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders FC), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes), Gyasi Zardes (LA Galaxy)