Dax McCarty Replaces Injured Sturgis on Beijing Roster

Just a quick news brief before Wednesday night fades into Thursday morning…

It is being reported by the FC Dallas Updates blog that midfielder Dax McCarty has been called up to the Olympics roster, taking the place of injured defender Nathan Sturgis.

A well earned call up for McCarty, who many in the US Soccer circle feel was initially snubbed when Nowak’s roster was released last week. Even so, the midfield grows more crowded and the back line more depleted. The USA now has only four officially listed defenders on their roster. Those lucky persons being Patrick Ianni, Michael Orozco, Michael Parkhurst, and Marvel Wynn. Like it or not, that could be the backline right there. If you couldn’t tell even before the Sturgis injury, the backline is going to be the downfall of this team if there is to be a major crash and burn. Tactically, you could see Nowak drop Toronto FC defensive midfielder Maurice Edu dropped into a center back roll with McCarty playing the same position as him but with less versatility.

Or, if you really want to loosen up your neck tie and get wild, you could imagine Nowak rocking a 3 man back line Beijing. But then you would have to realize that this is the United States of America; and while capitalism, freedom, and jarred mustered are all things truly American, the 3 man backline sits on the opposite side of the spectrum next to the concept of walking and disco. So you can pretty much count out the possibility of seeing it unless Peter Nowak goes all hipster on the establishment.

One thing is for sure, Nowak will have his hands full trying to sort out his lineup card for the group stage.