Michael Bradley (pictured) led the USA to the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup title and has helped Toronto FC to the best record in Major League Soccer. (Photo: AFP Services)
CHICAGO – United States head coach Bruce Arena announced Sunday a list of 26 players for a training camp ahead of World Cup Qualifiers against Costa Rica (September 1, home) and Honduras (September 5, away).
The Americans, who captured the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup title in July, are 2W-2D-0L in WCQ play, since Arena was handed the managerial reins last November and have climbed into third place (7 points) in the final-round standings.
"I think we're bringing in a good roster, one that has depth in every position and in which all 26 players have been with the national team in 2017," Arena said. "I think we have the right understanding as a group as to what needs to be done, and hopefully we can be successful in these next two games."
The roster is highlighted by the inclusion of Toronto FC teammates -- midfielder Michael Bradley and forward Jozy Altidore. Bradley captured Golden Ball honors at the Gold Cup, while Altidore netted in the competition’s semifinal and final.
Also meriting selection are forwards Jordan Morris (joint-top scorer in 2017 Gold Cup with three goals) and Clint Dempsey (USA’s all-time WCQ scoring leader with 18 goals) and midfielder Christian Pulisic (two goals in first three competitive games to open 2017/18 season in Germany with Borussia Dortmund).
ROSTER
GOALKEEPERS: Brad Guzan (Atlanta United FC), Tim Howard (Colorado Rapids), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)
DEFENDERS: DaMarcus Beasley (Houston Dynamo), Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City/England), Omar Gonzalez (Pachuca/Mexico), Matt Hedges (FC Dallas), Eric Lichaj (Nottingham Forest/England), Tim Ream (Fulham/England), Jorge Villafaña (Santos/Mexico), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City)
MIDFIELDERS: Kellyn Acosta (FC Dallas), Paul Arriola (D.C. United),Alejandro Bedoya (Philadelphia Union), Michael Bradley (Toronto FC), Fabian Johnson (Borussia Mönchengladbach/Geermany), Dax McCarty (Chicago Fire), Darlington Nagbe (Portland Timbers), Christian Pulisic (Borussia Dortmund/Germany), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders FC)
FORWARDS: Jozy Altidore (Toronto FC/Canada), Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders FC), Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders FC), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes), Bobby Wood (Hamburg/Germany)
