November 17, 2008 9:16 PM
Pablo, Casey, Gibbs on U.S. roster for Wednesday
Pablo Mastroeni, Conor Casey and Cory Gibbs will represent the Colorado Rapids on the American roster as the U.S. hosts Guatemala on Wednesday at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.
Rapids midfielders Nick LaBrocca and Colin Clark were invited to the 24-man training session but did not survive coach Bob Bradley's pregame cuts.
Also, goalkeeper Brad Guzan, forward Jozy Altidore and midfielder Freddy Adu have been added to the U.S. roster.
Go to the U.S. Soccer Web site to check out the entire roster. And the USSF also points out that Pablo has the most caps of anyone on the American squad.
November 17, 2008
9:51 PM
Deron writes:
It's great to see Colorado players with the national team, but Mastroeni and Gibbs aren't terribly exciting choices, and somewhat of a disappointment for fans looking forward to 2010.
Mastroeni brings veteran presence, but realistically in 2010 we'll be watching Michael Bradley, Rico Clark, and Edu.
Gibb's may work his way back in to the rotation. He has the know how, but his time with the Rapids showed what his current fitness level is.
It is a shame that Clark was sent home. While the US team is surprising deep at left mid, Clark's game is the most like Beasley's in pace, work rate, and defensive work. Other left mids, Lewis and Convey, have slipped due to age and injury. It's unfortunate that Bob didn't take the opportunity to try a young player who proved to be a bright spot on an average team. Particularly on a roster that ultimately did not include a true left mid.