World Cup - US Roster Named

Keller and Reyna four up

Kasey Keller and Claudio Reyna will be the first Americans to play in four World Cups after being included in the US squad named on Tuesday. Coach Bruce Arena omitted MLS’s player of the year Taylor Twellman in favour of Brian Ching with defender Gregg Berhalter losing out to Jimmy Conrad.”The naming of this 23-man roster is the end of a long and arduous process,” Arena told a news conference.

“It has carried the U.S. team throughout the CONCACAF region and the world over the last three and a half years,” Arena said. “I’m comfortable in saying that over these 59 games, I’ve been able to observe and evaluate a pool of very talented players.

Arena also named 13 reserves in case any of his provisional squad pick up injuries before their opening match against the Czech Republic on 12 June. His team will also play Italy on 17 June and Ghana on 22 June in Group E.

Twelve of the squad have previous World Cup experience with Frankie Hejduk, Brian McBride and Eddie Pope all attending a third World Cup.

The opening match on June 12 is make-or-break for the US. With three games in the opening round, we need at least one win and one draw to go through to the next round. Getting a result (either a win or a draw) against Italy will be very very tough. There’s nothing “easy” about Ghana, but it’s our best chance for a result. That leaves the Czechs. If we lose on June 12, we’re going home early.

Comments

  1. Rick Moran wrote:

    Looking for Landon Donovan to have a big tournament. He and Reyna could be awesome together (if Reyna can stay healthy).

    Also glad to see Eddie Johnson make it. Love to see him come off the bench for a little instant offense.

    Posted 04 May 2006 at 12:28 pm

  2. Keith Demko wrote:

    A solid squad all around … I would have loved to see Twellman get the call instead of Josh Wolff, but I’m thrilled that Eddie Pope gets another run at glory

    Posted 04 May 2006 at 6:14 pm

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