Roster for Barbados Qualifying Announced

Bob Bradley has chosen his roster for the Barbados Qualifying, here is the full list…

Goalkeepers- Tim Howard (Everton FC), Brad Guzan (Chivas USA), Dominic Cervi (out of contract),

Defenders- Dan Califf (FC Midtjylland), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96), Jay DeMerit (Watford FC), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus Crew), Carlos Bocanegra (out of contract), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard de Liege), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock)

Midfielders- Freddy Adu (SL Benfica), DaMarcus Beasley (Glasgow Rangers), Michael Bradley (SC Heerenveen), Maurice Edu (Toronto FC), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Eddie Lewis (Derby County), Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado Rapids)

Forwards- Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy), Clint Dempsey (Fulham FC), Eddie Johnson (Fulham FC), Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo)

In my opinion, this may be the best overall roster Coach Bradley has selected in a while. The one notable omission will be Jozy Altidore, but that is understandable as he is off finalizing his transfer to the Yellow Submarine of Villareal in Spain. Without him, the forward line as always will look a little weak, but the addition of Brian Ching should help with hold up play as well as lend aid to set piece opportunities where Eddie Johnson just can’t seem to finish.

There is not one player in the midfield who I would not feel comfortable playing in a big spot in these games. The old timer’s Eddie Lewis and Pablo Mastroeni both showed well in the recent run of friendlies and could make a case for starts in these qualifying rounds. Young guns Sacha and Freddy will also now get a chance to be the creative hub of the midfield, showing the trust that Bob Bradley does have in these youngsters, despite his somewhat conservative approach.

The only gripe I have may be Frankie Hejduk, but he’s a character and has some sweet broski flow, so I’ll let it slide. I just don’t know if he has the pace for this level anymore, but he did show well in the Gold Cup so maybe he can recapture some of that form in another CONCACAF tournament.

Overall some good selections by Bob based on recent quality and not reputation.