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)
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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
Aug 20, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Toronto FC forward Jozy Altidore (17) during the second half against the Philadelphia Union at Talen Energy Stadium. Toronto FC won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Toronto FC forward Jozy Altidore (17) during the second half against the Philadelphia Union at Talen Energy Stadium. Toronto FC won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

FORWARDS

Jozy Altidore has been named USMNT captain for the match against St. Vincent and the Grenadines. This is obviously a result of Dempsey and Bradley being out, but it is also a testament to the unreal form Altidore is currently enjoying: Just look at this goal.

Klinsmann tends to prefer a formation utilizing a lone target forward up top. But the prospect of either Bobby Wood or Jordan Morris making runs off Altidore is mouth-watering to consider.

Wood has been particularly impressive for Hamburg – he was just awarded Goal of the Week by the official Bundesliga website. Morris has become a consistent goal-scoring threat with his pace and tenacity.

Next: 5 best World Cup qualifying matches to watch

And then there’s Chris Wondolowski (sigh). To be fair, the aging San Jose Earthquakes striker has been good against the smallest of the CONCACAF squads, but I just don’t see the point in continuing to bring him in when he will surely not figure into the USA’s plans for Russia 2018.

It fees like it’s time for Morris and Wood to step up and claim the available playing time at forward that doesn’t go to Altidore. Here’s to hoping Klinsmann feels the same way.