The United States starts their Send-Off Series tonight against Azerbaijan, the first of three friendlies before the team heads to Brazil for the 2014 World Cup. The match, in San Francisco, has been billed as a bit of a warm-up because of the opponent and Jurgen Klinsmann implied as much in yesterday's press conference, saying it was a chance to get the guys going before tougher matches against Turkey and Nigeria.
USA vs. Azerbaijan: Lineups
It’s the U.S. and Azerbaijan from Candlestick Park.
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For this match, Jurgen Klinsmann has opted for a 4-4-2, with a diamond midfield. Jermaine Jones will sit deep with Michael Bradley at the tip of the diamond. Clint Dempsey joins Jozy Altidore up top, while the back line will consist of Fabian Johnson, Geoff Cameron, Matt Besler and DaMarcus Beasley.
The lineup isn’t too different from what was expected after yesterday’s training, but it won’t be the team Klinsmann sticks with for the entire match or even close to it. Klinsmann said he expects to make a lot of subs and early subs as he wants as many players as possible to get playing time.
United States (4-4-2): Tim Howard; Fabian Johnson, Geoff Cameron, Matt Besler, DaMarcus Beasley; Jermaine Jones, Graham Zusi, Alejandro Bedoya, Michael Bradley; Chris Wondolowski, Jozy Altidore.
Clint Dempsey was originally listed as a starting striker, but he has been removed in favor of Chris Wondolowski due to what U.S. Soccer is calling a groin strain. They’re also calling Dempsey’s removal precautionary.
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