The United States squad for the World Cup finals in Germany comprises the following 23 players:
(Statistics up to and including May 24 2006)
GOALKEEPERS
18-Kasey Keller (Borussia Moenchengladbach, Germany) Born: 29.11.69 Caps: 91 Goals: 0
Known for his outstanding positional play and ability to organise defences, Keller has improved with age. Member of 1990, 1998 and 2002 World Cup squads and has 44 international clean sheets. The indisputable first choice for the World Cup, Keller has played for Tottenham Hotspur, Leicester City and Millwall (England) and Rayo Vallecano (Spain).
19-Marcus Hahnemann (Reading, England) Born: 15.6.72 Caps: 6 Goals: 0
A fixture at Reading, helping them to gain promotion to the top flight of English soccer for the first time in their 135-year history this season. Hahnemann has enjoyed a resurgence with the U.S. team. A solid shot-stopper, Hahnemann understands his reserve role, one he will remain in barring injury to Kasey Keller. Previously played with Colorado Rapids (U.S.) and Fulham (England).
1-Tim Howard (Everton, England) 6.3.79 Caps: 15 Goals: 0
Despite having fallen out of favour with club and country, Howard remains in the long-term plans for the U.S. Since being named the Premier League goalkeeper of the year in 2004, he has been plagued by erratic form and positional problems. Joined United from MetroStars (U.S.) in 2003, but has played only six times for his country since then. Has left Manchester United for a season-long loan spell at Everton for 2006-07 season.
DEFENDERS
2-Chris Albright (Los Angeles Galaxy) Born: 14.1.79 Caps: 19 Goals: 1
Long-time utility player for the U.S. Began career as a forward and has played in midfield and defence for his club. Albright could end up as a reserve defender at World Cup. Also played for D.C. United.
3-Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham, England) Born: 25.5.79 Caps: 39 Goals: 6
A reliable flank and central defender who is strong in the air, Bocanegra was off form at the end of qualifying and will likely be a reserve at the World Cup. Twice defender of the year in Major League Soccer where he spent four years with the Chicago Fire before joining Fulham in 2004.
6-Steve Cherundolo (Hanover 96, Germany) Born: 19.2.79 Caps: 33 Goals: 1
Speedy right-sided defender, dangerous coming forward. Depending on whether U.S. plays a three- or four-man defence, can push into midfield. Dangerous crosser of the ball. Has been blighted by injury throughout his career but if healthy will be key part of U.S. plans in Germany.
13-Jimmy Conrad (Kansas City Wizards) Born: 12.2.77 Caps: 13 Goals: 0
Considered the future of the U.S. central defence, Conrad has impressed at club level but lacks experience on the international stage. Strong in the air, but must improve positional play.
12-Cory Gibbs (Den Haag, Netherlands) Born: 14.1.80 Caps: 18 Goals: 0
A central or left-sided defender, Gibbs had his 2005 season cut short by a knee injury, limiting him to three appearances for the U.S. Has long been a part of World Cup plans but lack of playing time could impact against him. Also played with Feyenoord who loaned him to Den Haag for end of 2006 season. Previously with Dallas Burn and St. Pauli in Germany.
7-Eddie Lewis (Leeds United, England) Born: 17.5.74 Caps: 68 Goals: 8
Re-emerged over the last three years as a key part of the first team. An effective crosser, occupied the left side of midfield for many years but likely to play in defence at the World Cup. Remains an option as a flank player if U.S. goes with five-man midfield. Previously with Fulham, Preston North End and Los Angeles Galaxy.
22-Oguchi Onyewu (Standard Liege, Belgium) Born: 13.5.82 Caps: 12 Goals: 1
A revelation for the U.S. with coach Bruce Arena struggling to find a dependable central defender. Onyewu adds muscle to the back line and is dangerous coming forward. Has impressed at club level but needs more experience internationally. Even so, will no doubt be a World Cup starter. Previously with Metz in France.
23-Eddie Pope (Real Salt Lake) Born: 24.12.73 Caps: 78 Goals: 8
Long a keystone at the centre of the U.S. defence, Pope's form suffered in 2005. Injuries over the past two years have slowed the once pacy player who is superb in the air. A veteran of the 1998 and 2002 finals squads. If he remains healthy, Pope will be a defensive focal point in Germany.
MIDFIELDERS
17-DaMarcus Beasley (PSV Eindhoven, Netherlands) Born: 24.5.82 Caps: 55 Goals: 12
A revelation at the 2002 World Cup, Beasley has become a vital component of the U.S. team. Adept at playing either midfield flank, he is scrappy in front of goal. Impressed in his first year at PSV after moving from the Chicago Fire in 2004.
15-Bobby Convey (Reading, England) Born: 27.5.83 Caps: 36 Goals 1
Pacy left-sided midfielder who has also been used on the left flank in defence. Has a strong left-footed shot and is comfortable with the ball at his feet, Convey joined Reading from D.C. United (U.S.) in 2004 after a transfer to Tottenham fell through. Like Hahnemann he has played a significant part in Reading's first promotion to the English top flight this season.
8-Clint Dempsey (New England Revolution) Born: 9.3.83 Caps: 19 Goals: 4
Utilised as a holding or flank midfielder, Dempsey has impressed at club level but lacks international experience. Primarily used as a late substitute to shore up the defence, he could see a reserve role at World Cup. Has played as a forward for club and country. Named Major League Soccer's top rookie in 2004.
21-Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy) Born: 4.3.82 Caps: 78 Goals: 25
Has become the focal point of the U.S. team following stellar performance at 2002 World Cup finals. Plays central and wide midfield and as a forward. Quick on and off the ball, lethal finisher with both feet and adept on free kicks. Previously with San Jose Earthquakes (U.S.) and Bayer Leverkusen in Germany.
4-Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado Rapids) Born: 26.8.76 Caps: 46 Goals: 0
A late addition to the World Cup squad, Mastroeni has established himself as a critical part of the U.S. team in a holding midfield role. Mastroeni can also play as a central defender as he did with his previous club the Miami Fusion.
5-John O'Brien (Chivas USA) Born: 29.8.77 Caps: 29 Goals: 3
Versatile in attacking or defensive midfield roles, excellent passer and holder of the ball. Dangerous on free kicks. Has been plagued by injuries throughout his career. Played every minute of the Americans' run in the 2002 World Cup but has seen action in only 10 games for club or country since then. Formerly with Ajax Amsterdam and ADO Den Haag in the Netherlands.
14-Ben Olson (D.C. United) Born: 3.5.77 Caps: 36 Goals: 6
A speedy, multipurpose midfielder who is equally adept on the flank or in a holding role, Olsen's international career has been punctuated by a rash of ankle injuries. Has made only eight appearances for U.S. in past two years. Had a loan spell at Nottingham Forest in 2000.
10-Claudio Reyna (Manchester City, England) Born: 20.7.73 Caps: 108 Goals: 8
Focal point of U.S. team as the midfield maestro. Has been hit by injury but when fit he remains the best passer of the ball on the team. Reyna lends confidence and composure to the U.S. Also played for Sunderland (England), Glasgow Rangers (Scotland) and VfL Wolfsburg and Bayer Leverkusen in Germany.
FORWARDS
11-Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo) Born: 24.5.78 Caps: 17 Goals: 3
The first Hawaiian to play and score for the U.S. team, Ching's international career has been blighted by injury. He has remained a prolific scorer at club level but has failed to truly impress on the world stage. Quick and strong in the air, he lacks speed and will likely be a reserve at the World Cup.
9-Eddie Johnson (Kansas City Wizards) Born: 31.3.84 Caps: 15 Goals: 9
The forward of the future for the U.S., Johnson scored on his debut and hit eight goals in his first nine internationals.
Dangerous running at defences, he remains one of Major League Soccer's top strikers, but missed much of 2005 through injury and has still not regained form. His potential is unlimited, which is why he is in the squad.
20-Brian McBride (Fulham, England) Born: 19.6.72 Caps: 90 Goals: 29
Deadly in the air, strong off and on the ball. Although hampered by injuries in the past, when healthy McBride can both score and make goals. Regarded as the most polished U.S. forward, he scored at the 1998 and 2002 finals and is a definite starter. Previously with Everton, Preston North End and Columbus Crew.
16-Josh Wolff (Kansas City Wizards) Born: 25.2.77 Caps: 45 Goals: 9
Figured prominently in the U.S. plans during qualification, but injury cut short his 2005 season. Quick on and off the ball and good in the air, Wolff is struggling to regain the form that once had him on course to be McBride's successor.
