Initial thoughts on #USMNT selection for Russia Friendly

October 16, 2012; Kansas City, KS, USA; USA head coach Jurgen Klinsmann reacts during the second half of the world cup qualifying match against Guatemala at LIVESTRONG Sporting Park. USA won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-US PRESSWIRE

Coach K has announced his squad for the friendly versus Russia on Wednesday. Here’s the breakdown if you haven’t seen it yet:

GOALKEEPERS- Tim Howard (Everton), Sean Johnson (Chicago Fire), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)

DEFENDERS- Carlos Bocanegra (Racing Santander), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City), Timmy Chandler (Nuremberg), Maurice Edu (Stoke City), Clarence Goodson (Brondby), Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim)

MIDFIELDERS - Michael Bradley (Roma), Mix Diskerud (Rosenborg), Joshua Gatt (Molde), Joe Gyau (Hoffenheim/ St. Pauli), Jermaine Jones (Schalke 04), Sacha Kljestan (Anderlecht), Danny Williams (Hoffenheim)

FORWARDS- Juan Agudelo (Chivas USA), Jozy Altidore (AZ Alkmaar), Terrence Boyd (Rapid Vienna), Herculez Gomez (Santos Laguna)

Here’s some initial thoughts regarding the choices Klinsmann has made:

1. It’s good to see some youth getting the opportunity. While not all of these played will see the pitch, now is the time for Coach K to get a closer look on some of the players that might have a chance they will be in Brazil in 2014. Gyau, Agudelo, Johnson and Diskerud haven’t factored in for a while but are getting a much deserved look.
2. Some omissions were interesting. No Guzan, Lichaj and Beckerman for example. Well, two of those three play for Aston Villa so I’m kinda biased. Okay, I’m really biased.
3. Why is Edu getting a call? He’s not even making the bench at Stoke City (I knew it was a bad transfer). Gyau hasn’t gotten a ton of playing time either but at least he’s been getting more time lately.