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| Klinsmann can't leave Michael Bradley out in the rain like he did earlier in their relationship, he's just too damn good. |
Since the United States fell to Ghana in the knockout round of the 2010 World Cup a little less than three years ago, a lot of has changed with U.S. Soccer but not necessarily at the top. The same top players are still here leading the charge toward Brazil in 2014, with the exception of Landon Donovan (we'll speak on that later). Yet, the most important change happened at the very top with the firing of Bob Bradley in favor of the German-coach Jurgen Klinsmann. While the German's coaching experience is well-documented, his results so far haven't blown anyone away (11-5-6). I still have faith in him and trust that all the lineup tinkering he's done over the last two years will work out, but not everyone is excited.
Here we'll give you a little primer on what storylines you need to watch, what new players you need to know and our prediction for this U.S. qualifying run.
Top Three Storylines to Watch:
1. What's Up Landon Donovan?
Donovan isn't in the lineup for Wednesday's initial clash with Honduras and that's a big question mark. Now while that strikes panic in a lot of people's mind, I say relax. Landon may still arguably be the U.S. best talent, but he's aging, he's been away for the game for a few months now and his head just isn't in it as he says. U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati has said that he expects LD to return, but I think it might be a distraction if he does. In qualifying, the U.S. team needs to develop a real chemistry and if his head isn't in it, then it wouldn't be smart for him to return. There certainly is enough talent on this team for them to advance without LD and any sort of half-hearted disruption he may cause during qualifying could be disastrous. If he wants to return to the team, he should do it during the pre-World Cup friendlies.
2. The Klinsmann-Michael Bradley Relationship
It's slowly becoming clear that Michael Bradley is one of the United States' best talents. He's getting a lot of playing time at AS Roma and proving his worth at a high European level. Yet, in the beginning of Klinsmann's reign as U.S. Coach, he didn't seem to like Bradley's style and left him off several rosters. The relationship was tense with Bradley not getting starts right after his father was just fired from the team. It does look like they've cleared their differences, though, as Bradley's played a key role in many of USA's latest fixtures. Klinsmann and the electric midfielder must stay on the same page, because the 25-year old's talent is absolutely undeniable and extremely vital to U.S. success going forward.
3. German-American Connection
If 21-year-old German-American defender, Timothy Chandler, gets a cap tonight he will officially be locked in as a member of the United States soccer ranks. He'll join Danny Williams, Fabian Johnson and potentially Jermaine Jones as the other German-American players on the team. You can bet that this was 100% a product of Klinsmann and he needs it to work out. Fabian Johnson has already shown that he's probably the best defender the United States has, so Chandler must be the same. I like Danny Williams, but his inconsistencies have been quite apparent in his last few U.S. caps. Johnson and Chandler must form a dynamic duo in the backfield, because that's a gaping hole for the United States.
Top Three Players On the Radar:
1. Timothy Chandler, 21, Wing-Defender
The hype around Chandler is absolutely real, but we need to see him in meaningful competition before we bless him as the future of the American defense. Of course, Chandler must get a cap to officially be locked in as an American player, but I fully expect him to do so. The 21-year-old has the skills to really push the pace on the outside and make plays on both ends; simply put, he must do that. The American defense is really questionable and has looked slow for a while now. Chandler should provide that quick pace that's need to turn defense into offense instantly.
2. Geoff Cameron, 27, Center Back
I'm a huge fan of Geoff Cameron who brings size and versatility to a center-back position that will also feature an experienced, but aging Carlos Bocanegra. The Stoke City back has proved that he can play up at the midfielder position but for the United States they need his size and intensity on the defensive end. The experience he's gaining in the Premiership with Stoke is invaluable and I think he'll be even better in qualifying than we've seen him over the past few years.
3. Graham Zusi, 26, Midfielder
What role Klinsmann applies to Zusi, whether it's attacking midfielder or on the wings, it's vital that he plays. People are sleeping on him because he still plays in the MLS with Kansas City, but I've watched this dude play and I 100% believe he's the real deal. He has a booming shot and solid balls skills, but what sets him apart from other young, under-the-radar midfielders is his confidence. This guy doesn't fear anyone, no matter if it's Cristiano Ronaldo or some no-name on Panama across from him. There's something about the way he comes in and puts the ball on net from anywhere that excites you as an American. Is he a starter? I'm not so sure, but he will provide critical off-the-bench energy and must play. Just watch this Landon Donovan...
Predictions:
At Honduras, 2/6, 4 P.M.
United States-1, Honduras-1 (1 Pt)
Vs. Costa Rica, 3/22, 8 P.M.
United States-3, Costa Rica-2 (4 Pts)
At Mexico, 3/26, 10:30 P.M.
Mexico-3, United States-1 (4 Pts)
At Jamaica, 6/7, TBD
United States-1, Jamaica-0 (7 Pts)
Vs. Panama, 6/11, TBD
United States-2, Panama-0 (10 Pts)
Vs. Honduras, 6/18, TBD
United States-2, Honduras-1 (13 Pts)
At Costa Rica, 9/6, TBD
Costa Rica-2, United States-0 (13 Pts)
Vs. Mexico, 9/10, TBD
United States-2, Mexico-2 (14 Pts)
Vs. Jamaica, 10/11, TBD (17 Pts)
United States-1, Jamaica-0
At Panama, 10/15, TBD (17 Pts)
Panama-3, United States-1
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