Even though Klinsmann has stated that Howard and Guzan will rotate games, I think Howard provides leadership to a back line that, no matter who plays in it, lacks organization and leadership.
Orozco should not be starting at CB at the international level and Gonzalez didn't look amazing either. Therefore, Cameron should unquestionably slide in to the CB spot and be complimented with Steve Birnbaum, who has had a strong year so far with DC United. This adds two aerial threats to be dangerous on set-pieces from Bradley and Zusi. Yedlin would take his more natural position of RB instead of playing higher up the pitch. Castillo wouldn't be my first choice but given the circumstances, he keeps the job at LB.
In the midfield, I think Kyle Beckerman needs to be brought in to protect the back line. There were many instances where Guatemala was trying to play through and Beckerman will prevent that from threatening our defense. He also brings a calming influence on the ball which the US lacked on Friday. Bradley falls back into his natural deep-lying playmaker role with Nagbe, who looked strong coming off the bench, taking the more creative position higher up the pitch. Zusi and Finlay should be brought in to provide width on the flanks. Zusi adds exceptional crossing as well being a very dangerous set-piece taker. Finlay has shown that he can make an impact and giving him a run down the right flank could be threatening to Guatemala's back line.
Finally, Dempsey takes the spot as the lone striker. Bobby Wood looked promising and energetic in the first match, but seemed to lack the killer instincts in the final third.
Off the bench, I would love to see Pulisic get his first minutes for the USMNT. He provides a spark later on in the game when the Guatemalan players will be in their last legs. Jozy could also provide a target for crosses or Wondolowski could come in to be 'in the right spot, at the right time.' Nguyen could also be called upon to give the midfield a different dynamic later on in the match.
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Brendan Hartlove
about 8 years
Even though Klinsmann has stated that Howard and Guzan will rotate games, I think Howard provides leadership to a back line that, no matter who plays in it, lacks organization and leadership. Orozco should not be starting at CB at the international level and Gonzalez didn't look amazing either. Therefore, Cameron should unquestionably slide in to the CB spot and be complimented with Steve Birnbaum, who has had a strong year so far with DC United. This adds two aerial threats to be dangerous on set-pieces from Bradley and Zusi. Yedlin would take his more natural position of RB instead of playing higher up the pitch. Castillo wouldn't be my first choice but given the circumstances, he keeps the job at LB. In the midfield, I think Kyle Beckerman needs to be brought in to protect the back line. There were many instances where Guatemala was trying to play through and Beckerman will prevent that from threatening our defense. He also brings a calming influence on the ball which the US lacked on Friday. Bradley falls back into his natural deep-lying playmaker role with Nagbe, who looked strong coming off the bench, taking the more creative position higher up the pitch. Zusi and Finlay should be brought in to provide width on the flanks. Zusi adds exceptional crossing as well being a very dangerous set-piece taker. Finlay has shown that he can make an impact and giving him a run down the right flank could be threatening to Guatemala's back line. Finally, Dempsey takes the spot as the lone striker. Bobby Wood looked promising and energetic in the first match, but seemed to lack the killer instincts in the final third. Off the bench, I would love to see Pulisic get his first minutes for the USMNT. He provides a spark later on in the game when the Guatemalan players will be in their last legs. Jozy could also provide a target for crosses or Wondolowski could come in to be 'in the right spot, at the right time.' Nguyen could also be called upon to give the midfield a different dynamic later on in the match.