Monday, October 18, 2004
US vs. Jamaica roster pool and considerations
With the United States National Team through to the Hex with a game to spare, much has been mentioned about who to call into camp for the final qualifier of the semifinal round, November 17th against Jamaica in Columbus, OH. Hence, here are some things to consider and a running tally of who should be in camp for this match:
* We can field an all-MLS side and contend quite well against the Reggae Boyz, which would allow for our Europe-based players to remain with their clubs even though November 17th is an international matchdate in the FIFA calendar.
* MLS Cup will be played in Los Angeles on November 14th, making it somewhat unlikely that any players from either finalist would be brought to camp, especially considering that 80% of the league's teams will have completed play for the season by November 7th and a competitive side could be fielded from whatever eight teams are not in the final.
* Bruce Arena, therefore, could conceivably open camp for this match on November 8th, allowing for a number of new guys to get long looks from Bruce and bolster their case for inclusion when the Hex starts in February.
Oguchi Onyewu and Conor Casey should be the only two Europe-based players called to camp, provided that their inclusion for all of camp can be arranged. The rest of the camp roster will come from MLS, with names added as the playoffs progress and teams are eliminated.
US roster for 11/17 Jamaica match
Chris Armas, Chicago Fire (MLS)
Conor Casey, FC Mainz (Germany)
Cory Gibbs, FC Dallas (MLS)
Eddie Johnson, FC Dallas (MLS)
Oguchi Onyewu, Standard Liege (Belgium)
* We can field an all-MLS side and contend quite well against the Reggae Boyz, which would allow for our Europe-based players to remain with their clubs even though November 17th is an international matchdate in the FIFA calendar.
* MLS Cup will be played in Los Angeles on November 14th, making it somewhat unlikely that any players from either finalist would be brought to camp, especially considering that 80% of the league's teams will have completed play for the season by November 7th and a competitive side could be fielded from whatever eight teams are not in the final.
* Bruce Arena, therefore, could conceivably open camp for this match on November 8th, allowing for a number of new guys to get long looks from Bruce and bolster their case for inclusion when the Hex starts in February.
Oguchi Onyewu and Conor Casey should be the only two Europe-based players called to camp, provided that their inclusion for all of camp can be arranged. The rest of the camp roster will come from MLS, with names added as the playoffs progress and teams are eliminated.
US roster for 11/17 Jamaica match
Chris Armas, Chicago Fire (MLS)
Conor Casey, FC Mainz (Germany)
Cory Gibbs, FC Dallas (MLS)
Eddie Johnson, FC Dallas (MLS)
Oguchi Onyewu, Standard Liege (Belgium)
# posted by The Armchair Pundit @ 4:04 PM 
