A look at the USMNT roster, by position

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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Jun 25, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; United States defender Michael Orozco reacts as he is given a red card by the referee in the second half against Colombia during the third place match of the 2016 Copa America Centenario soccer tournament at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

DEFENDERS

(A quick aside: Pictured above is Michael Orozco, doing what he does best, getting sent off.)

Most fans, I’m assuming, have players for their respective teams that they would rather never see step foot on the playing surface. For me, it tends to be USMNT defenders: Jonathon Bornstein used to fill that role, now it’s Michael Orozco.

Klinsmann loves him, bringing him along any chance he gets – even for important games! All kidding aside, he is purportedly selected for his versatility, but is it really helpful if you are merely mediocre at every position across the back line?

As for who will start the two qualifiers, Fabian Johnson and DeAndre Yedlin are locks to start at the full-back positions. There will be more competition, and probably more rotation, at the two center-back spots.

Omar Gonzalez is back in the team after being inexplicably left out of the USA Copa America team after winning a Liga MX title with Pachuca. DC United defender Steve Birnbaum has been given more and more reps by Klinsmann as of late, while fellow MLS defender Matt Besler remains a steady presence for Sporting KC.

It will be interesting to see what Klinsmann does with Geoff Cameron. He started the opening Premier League match for Stoke, but was an unused substitute in their following two games. He has been a favorite center-back choice for the USMNT over the last few years, but Klinsmann may opt to go with a pairing that is seeing more consistent playing time.

Next: Midfielders: Where have all the CMs gone?

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