Handicapping the Final 23

The CounterAttack is back, just in time for the 2010 World Cup. To get started, we’re going to predict Bob Bradley’s final 23 for the roster to South Africa.

First, we can eliminate some players after last night’s match v Czech Republic. Defense was poor in Hartford, so Heath Pearce made the wrong mistake at the wrong time. Considering that Chad Marshall didn’t play, that speaks volumes. In the midfield, Sacha Kljestan is also out – we never liked him and always wondered why the hype. Forward Robbie Findley is out because he didn’t play, while Eddie Johnson is out because he didn’t do enough last night and is still recovering from injury. Now for who's going:

GKs
Brad Guzan – the Villa keeper still has some work to do. Third-string but on the plane.

Marcus Hahnemann – in our view, the best keeper on the squad but inertia will keep the Wolves man as backup to…

Tim Howard – the US No. 1, his job for this cup and at least the next one too.

DFs
Carlos Bocanegra – a solid, experienced and physical defender. Prone to silly yellow caution cards, but Chuckie Black Mouth is a no-brainer and will captain the squad.

Jonathan Bornstein – we want him to do well. He can do well. He can also stink it up. Let’s hope the Good Bornstein shows up in South Africa.

Steve Cherundolo – the man from Hannover is solid, steady and knows how to bring the ball forward. He’s recovered from injury so he gets a ticket to South Africa.

Jay DeMerit – another one graced by lack of options. A bit slow and not that great moving forward but has done enough to claim a spot.

Clarence Goodson – a work in progress but a decent match last night, on a night where few defenders shined, should be enough. Besides, Bradley said he liked him. Oh well.

Oguchi Onyewu – he looked tired, very tired in the second half last night but that’s match fitness. Two more friendlies should be enough to put the Milan defender back.

Jonathan Spector – the CounterAttack has always liked the West Ham man. He’s unspectacular but calm. He can be beaten by speedy attackers but Fernando Torres and Lionel Messi are in other groups.

MFs
DaMarcus Beasley – Run DMB has had to work his way back into contention. He’ll be going to his third World Cup and if there is any justice, will get a goal to make up for his disallowed goal v Italy in ’06.

Alejandro Bedoya – the CounterAttack has to admit not knowing much about him but he was a calming presence v CZE last night. And, everyone seems to think he’ll go. We won’t argue.

Michael Bradley – no question. The attack will run through him and Donovan.

Ricardo Clark – a stronger squad might leave him off but he’s come on strong. Rico seems to have learned from his mistakes. Not a starter but he’s going.

Clint Dempsey – there are quite a few no-brainers. The Fulham man is one of them.

Landon Donovan – (no comment, none needed)

Maurice Edu – he’ll likely make it after last night’s performance. Scored the goal and offers some options as a defender. That’s key in tournament play.

Benny Feilhaber – oh, we like the kid who scored that wonder goal v MEX in the 07 Gold Cup final. We want him to do well.

Stuart Holden – we have been impressed with Holden since his Dynamo days. It’s his brain that makes him so important. Apparently Bolton were impressed with his match last night – they’ve just offered to extend his contract while he’s still inexpensive.

José Torres – nice to see the Pachuca man out there. We think he did enough to impress.

Strikers
Jozy Altidore – but we think he should come off the bench v ENG.

Edson Buddle – World Cup history is full of strikers who got hot at the right time. With his hot streak in MLS right now, it's tough to leave him out. We're going out on a limb on this one.

Herculez Gomez – the CounterAttack has been screaming for his inclusion. He came on last night, everyone expected him to score. He did. End of.

Wild Card
Robbie Rogers – we like him. A lot. Think he should go. Might go. Don’t be surprised, probably at Rico's expense.


image via John Dorton/US Soccer