Commentary:Who Bradley should call to camp

By the end of this week, Bob Bradley will name the 30-man roster for the US national team's camp ahead of its Jan. 22 friendly against Chile at the Home Depot Center. As usual, the focus will be on youth, and the roster will likely feature mostly MLS players as well as a smattering of European pros on break.


Here's a look at the men we think Bradley should call:


GOALKEEPERS (4)

Kevin Hartman - The last go-round for FC Dallas' netminder?


Matt Pickens - The MLS Cup-winning 'keeper gets rewarded for his efforts with a camp call-up.


Nick Rimando - The Real Salt Lake backstop should be Bradley's No. 1 and play at least a half against Chile.


Sean Johnson - Unlike the other three players on this list, the 51st pick in the 2010 SuperDraft is still on the upswing.


DEFENDERS (10)

Clarence Goodson - Brondby's newest import will use the experience he gained during the World Cup to help lead the younger members of camp.


Chad Marshall - The two-time MLS Defender of the Year will help Goodson provide leadership and discipline. (Jay DeMerit could also figure here.)


Heath Pearce - Could 2011 be the year Pearce claims the left back spot for his own? Or will he continue to fall behind Jonathan Bornstein?


Ike Opara - With Gale Agbossoumonde reportedly off to Sweden, the San Jose Earthquakes center back gets a call.


Kevin Alston - The speedy fullback provided some of the few bright spots in an otherwise forgettable New England Revolution campaign.


Marvell Wynne - A change of scenery helped Wynne develop, but it's hard to see him ever being anything other than a fringe member of the national team.


Nat Borchers - DeMerit may claim this spot as well, but Bradley took Borchers to South Africa for a friendly and he'll bring him to Carson as well.


Omar Gonzalez - The Los Angeles Galaxy star will battle Opara and Ream for center back spots for years to come.


Sean Franklin - Gonzalez's club teammate can state his case that he deserves more looks on the flank.


Tim Ream - His performance against Bafana Bafana demonstrated Ream can shine on the international stage.


MIDFIELDERS (11)

Alejandro Bedoya - The last World Cup cycle ended in disappointment as Bedoya didn't make the squad. His chance for redemption starts anew in 2011.


Benny Feilhaber - He needs a new club, but Feilhaber will get a chance to show what he can do on the field for the Stars and Stripes.


Bobby Convey - While rumors of bad blood between Convey and Bradley continue to surface, they are both big enough to put any fissures behind them.


Brek Shea - The bigger question is whether the FC Dallas midfielder will get time at center back, where he shined during the Generation adidas trip to Spain.


Dax McCarty - The energetic, box-to-box midfielder adds depth to the Nats even if he might not ever make the "A" team.


Eddie Gaven - The Crew talent has been around forever, but he's is still only 24.


Geoff Cameron - Cameron comes into camp armed with a new contract and a healthy body.


Jeff Larentowicz - Will the third member of the Rapids win his first cap in his second camp?


Kyle Beckerman - The younger members of the crew could learn a great deal from Beckerman's tenacity and determination.


Mikkel Diskerud - The playmaker of the (near) future?


Robbie Rogers - The 23-year-old will be one of the most-capped members of the 30-man group.


FORWARDS (5)

Chris Wondolowski - The Golden Boot winner gets a much-deserved invite.


Edson Buddle - If Buddle works his way to Europe, Jack McInerney may find himself in his first camp.


Juan Agudelo - If the New York Red Bulls newest star improves as much next year as he did in the previous 12 months, CONCACAF (and the world) should worry.


Justin Braun - Chivas USA's striker begins 2010 where he started 2009: under the watchful eye of the American coaching staff.


Teal Bunbury - The Stars and Stripes' breakout star of '11?


Noah Davis covers the United States national team for MLSsoccer.com. Follow him on Twitter at @noahedavis.
Think you know the game? Test your powers of prediction with MLSsoccer.com's fantasy game,Pro Soccer Picks. Play NOW!

Interested in tickets? We're here to help!
Interested in tickets? We're here to help!



Become an Insider

By selecting "Yes", you hereby consent to receive additional information from The Crew, Major League Soccer, Soccer United Marketing, and its marketing partners in accordance with the MLSsoccer.com Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.