USA Vs. Costa Rica, 2011 International Friendly: Lineup Analysis

The Jurgen Klinsmann era is well underway, and it's sure to set off the church of 4-4-2. The United States appears to be starting in something that resembles a 4-2-3-1 tonight, but don't get too caught up on what exactly it should be called. Whatever it is, it will feature Landon Donovan as something that is definitely not a winger. Attacking midfielder, trequarista, second striker...something along those lines. He'll be operating in that position, behind Jozy Altidore and in front of two central midfielders. Here's the complete lineup.

One of Robbie Rogers or Brek Shea will be cutting in from the wing onto their strong foot, as both are left footed. So, one of them won't be getting to the endline and swinging in crosses. And there won't be two strikers. Every time Taylor Twellman says 4-4-2 during the broadcast, finish your drink!

The midfield of Maurice Edu and Jose Fransisco Torres is much different than the United States has played in the past, and they should make up the classic creator-destroyer combination that most 4-2-3-1 systems utilize. Torres can also tackle and Edu can also pass, so this could be an interesting (and frequently used) midfield pairing for the future.

Timothy Chandler will be starting at right back, and it would be surprising if he didn't lock that spot down with a great performance in this game. He's been fantastic for Nürnburg and Steve Cherundolo, while awesome, is unlikely to be a legitimate option as a starter at the 2014 World Cup. On the other side, Edgar Castillo has some work to do. He's had some flashes of brilliance for both the United States and Club America when he's played recently, and it'll take some great performances to hold off the giant pack of (admittedly flawed) options behind him.

In the center of defense, is it possible that Michael Orozco Fiscal has taken over the reigns for Klinsmann? He was average at best at right back for the Philadelphia Union last season, but he's back in the center of defense for San Luis. He's started three of their five games and they're in great position to qualify for Liguilla in Mexico at the moment.

Is this anywhere near to a first choice team for Klinsmann? Obviously, Clint Dempsey is likely to figure in somewhere in competitive matches, but this could possibly be close to the real thing. It will be very interesting to see who performs tonight, and possibly even more interesting to see who starts and performs well against Belgium next week.