Fansided

A look at the USMNT roster, by position

By Michael Harshbarger

Jermaine Jones (L) and Kyle Beckerman (2nd L) train with teammates at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Phoenix, Arizona, on June 23, 2016, two days before the COPA America 2016, 3rd place final soccer match against Colombia. / AFP / Mark Ralston (Photo credit should read MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images)
Jermaine Jones (L) and Kyle Beckerman (2nd L) train with teammates at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Phoenix, Arizona, on June 23, 2016, two days before the COPA America 2016, 3rd place final soccer match against Colombia. / AFP / Mark Ralston (Photo credit should read MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
(Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images) /

GOALKEEPERS

Jurgen Klinsmann named Brad Guzan the USMNT starting goalkeeper back in May. Guzan had earned his starting club spot back after being benched at Aston Villa in the middle of the last Premier League season. Tim Howard wasn’t playing at all at Everton.

Now, Klinsmann has decided split the starting role in the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers: Guzan today at St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Howard at home on Tuesday against Trinidad & Tobago in Jacksonville.

Regarding his decision, Klinsmann told Sports Illustrated: “They’re pretty much on the same level, they’re both very important to us.”

Addressing young Ethan Horvath’s inclusion – the third keeper selected on this roster – Klinsmann said, “it hasn’t changed anything yet since the Copa America because the younger ones in line which are very talented haven’t quite reached that level yet…as of today they’re not on Tim’s and Brad Guzan’s level.”

Howard has looked poised to regain the USA #1 shirt since returning to MLS with the Colorado Rapids, who currently sit in 3rd in the Western Conference. He has been in fine form – including this insane penalty save – while Guzan left Villa for newly promoted Middlesbrough, seeming set to back-up fellow Boro signing Victor Valdez.

Valdez, after starting the first league match, was injured in training, making way for Guzan to start the next two Premier League games. If that doesn’t happen Howard very well could have been declared the starter for both games – and probably captain for today (more on that later).

As it stands, it is hard to pick between the two at the moment, making Klinsmann’s decision acceptable if not completely encouraging. I’d say most USMNT fans are comfortable with either of these options in goal at kickoff.

Next: Defenders: The Mystery of Michael Orozco

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