Originally Posted by mmbt0ne
So I was thinking about this early today and figured this is probably the best place to discuss it. Obviously I haven't remembered everyone so feel free to add 'em in.
2014 WC roster: What do we definitely have, what do we probably have, what do we need, and who can that be?
Goalies: we're good. I don't see Timmay retiring from international play, and even if he does it seems like we always have someone ready to play.
Defense: Gooch will still be in the mix. Boca is already a slower wing back and, at 31, I don't know if he's here in 4 years unless he moves central. Spector needs to get better, but he's young so that's possible. Dolo, Goodson, and DeMerit are likely gone. Bornstein, sigh.
On the horizon: Chad Marshall could be a solid back, probably center and maybe right. Michael Orozco is a CB with a lot of experience in Mexico and MLS, but always seems to have serious mental lapses. He's played LB before also but not too impressively, imo. Marvell Wynne, gtfo at wing back, but has looked shockingly solid with Colorado as a center back. Edgar Castillo is a VERY interesting option at LB, lots of pace and offensive awareness. Could be interesting. I've put my faith in Omar Gonzalez and think he's going to be a rock for the USMNT in the future. Heath Pearce, so hit or miss as a LB. Played great against Argentina and a couple others, looked awful in qualifying. Jermaine Jones? Dude is older, plays d-mid and I think could very possibly slot back into the back line. Gale Agbossoumonde, I hate trying to project out an 18 year old, but he's a giant CB. Eric Lichaj could be a RB, but he keeps getting loaned out from Aston Villa. I need to see more minutes from him.
Overall: Please God let us find some outside backs. We'll be able to fill the center backs without too much dropoff I think but we would be a much better team with wing backs.
Midfield: Bradley will still be here and could be a captain ione day. Deuce and Lando are in kind of the same boat. They'll be 31 and 32 respectively, I think they'll still be capable of adding to the team, but will there be better options? It'll be interesting. Mo is almost certainly going to be around, he just needs to get and stay healthy and keep on pwning. According to someone who played college soccer at Clemson Holden wants it as much as anyone he's ever seen in any sport, so I have faith that he'll be in the mix. Torres I also like, but he seems more expendable assuming the older guys stick around unless he improves. Benny needs to get some more play before I'm comfortable thinking he'll be around. Thanks for your service Beas, but you're done. Rico, it was a good one off.
On the horizon: Bob has a love affair with Kljestan, we'll see if his move to Europe improves his game and makes his a viable choice in the future. Alejandro Bedoya is a good bet to be around, especially once he "Charlie Davies" it and goes to a better league from Sweden. Chris Pontius seems like a lock to be considered in a M/F role. God I want Geoff Cameron to get just a little better because he can play almost every outfield position well and would be a great stopgap for depth. It seems weird to write-off 23 year olds like Robbie Rogers and Eddie Gaven but I don't think they're going to improve enough. Some good young guys like Luis Gil (maybe too young), Michael Stephens (huge fan), and Brek Shea (HUGE fan and he's versatile enough to play forward). And hey, there's always Freddy Adu!
Overall: I think we're in good shape here as far as "solid" players go, but I would love to have one or two break out as stars.
Forwards: Jozy is the only sure bet. Robbie Findley MAYBE gets one more look, but I wouldn't bet on it. Edson and Herculez, thanks for your service but that will be all.
On the horizon: Assuming that Charlie keeps getting better at the rate he has been he will definitely be around as well. It's just so hard to project out after a horrific injury like that. I'm hopeful though. Eddie Johnson would have to pull off a miracle to get back in. Conor Casey is donezo. Marcus Tracy (assuming he stays healthy), mark it down. A couple crazy idea: Zack Schilawski - the rookie has come out bombing with 5 goals in 12 games for a terrible NE team. Intriguing. Jack McInerney - only 17 but actually getting time with Philly. Semi-intriguing. Juan Agudelo - another young guy who was one of the crown jewel in NYRB Academy's crown (with Matt Kassel and Johnny Exantus).
Overall: There is potential here, but only Charlie has really proved himself at a high level of club play and he's a huge question mark. I think we all agree that Jozy has every talent you could ask for to be great though, so we'll have to see if he puts it together.