The United States' squad for Copa America was revealed on Saturday, and as usual, Jurgen Klinsmann has busted out some surprises -- and not just in his exclusions. In addition to announcing the 23, Klinsmann announced that Brad Guzan would be the starting goalkeeper ahead of Tim Howard. The team is also controversial for listing Fabian Johnson as a defender, Christian Pulisic as a midfielder and Gyasi Zardes as a striker.
Final USMNT 23-man squad revealed for Copa America
Get out your torches and pitchforks because Jurgen Klinsmann has made controversial decisions again.
Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images
Here’s the squad.
Goalkeepers (3): Brad Guzan, Tim Howard, Ethan Horvath
Defenders (8): Matt Besler, Steve Birnbaum, John Brooks, Geoff Cameron, Timmy Chandler, Fabian Johnson, Michael Orozco, DeAndre Yedlin
Midfielders (8): Kyle Beckerman, Alejandro Bedoya, Michael Bradley, Jermaine Jones, Perry Kitchen, Darlington Nagbe, Christian Pulisic, Graham Zusi
Strikers (4): Clint Dempsey, Chris Wondolowski, Bobby Wood, Gyasi Zardes
Two of the headline exclusions from the team are Mix Diskerud and Jordan Morris. In Diskerud’s case, he’s struggled since joining New York City FC and after months of pleas from frustrated fans has finally been left out of the team. In the case of Morris, fans might be a bit unhappy. He’s been in great form for Seattle Sounders, while veteran Chris Wondolowski has struggled in big moments a national team shirt despite his great play for San Jose Earthquakes. Jozy Altidore was left off the team due to injury.
Klinsmann also had touch choices in central defense, opting for Steve Birnbaum and Michael Orozco Fiscal. The latter’s inclusion won’t be popular while youngster Matt Miazga and in-form Pachuca star Omar Gonzalez were left home.
Veteran goalkeeper Nick Rimando would have been the third goalkeeper if he went to the tournament, so Klinsmann has opted to give the younger Horvath some experience and let Rimando stay with Real Salt Lake.
The other players named to the preliminary roster that have been left off the final squad are Kellyn Acosta, Ventura Alvarado, Edgar Castillo, Brad Evans, Eric Lichaj, Tim Ream, Alfredo Morales, Lee Nguyen, Danny Williams and Ethan Finlay.
Klinsmann’s USMNT kicks off Copa America against Colombia on June 3.
See More:
