Analysis: Defense

The reports out of Princeton seem to be rather positive, but there isn't much information coming out of Bob Bradley in terms of roster choices. He's being rather discreet, and rightfully so. I'll attempt to come up with his final 23. Here is the first installment...

Goalkeepers: Tim Howard, Brad Guzan, Marcus Hahnemann

No surprises here, and the only point of contention would be the backup to Howard. I would give a slight nod to Hahnemann. He's started the majority of the season and played well for Wolves in the EPL. Guzan played sparingly for Aston Villa and he should look forward to a loan next year to get some seasoning and actual play time.

Defenders: Steve Cherundolo, Carlos Bocanegra, Jonathan Bornstein, Oguchi Onyewu, Jonathan Spector, Jay Demerit, Clarence Goodson, Heath Pearce.

Cut: Chad Marshall

Projected Starting 4: Bocanegra, Onyewu, Demerit, Spector

Out of every level on the pitch for the Americans, the defense has been decimated by injury the most. Uncertainty and nervousness has to be the theme in the center of the defense for Bradley, where both Onyewu (ruptured patella tendon) and Demerit (eye surgery) suffered serious injuries. Demerit suffered from a freak eye infection and he up to this point has only retained 85% of his vision. Onyewu hasn't played in a competitive match since October 14, 2009. Bocanegra just recently under went hernia surgery and has been rehabilitating well, according to reports.

With all of that said, the defensive quartet of Bocanegra, Onyewu, Demerit, and Jonathan Spector played extremely well in the Confederations Cup. They know how to play with each other and more importantly play very well collectively as a unit. As for roster choices, I see the much maligned Bornstein stealing possible play time over Pearce. The pacy Bornstein is a known Bradley favorite (from their Chivas USA days together) and has played more of a role on the National Team than Pearce has recently. Lets just hope that Bornstein doesn't play a prevalent role in the tournament. He looked completely overmatched and out of his league against the Dutch and has made huge mistakes in games. Pearce will provide depth on the flanks. He has been playing well for FC Dallas and that solid form has the Turkish Champions Bursaspor pursuing him, according to reports. Cherundolo will bring experience, a veteran grit, and great leadership to the backline off the bench, and I could possibly see him starting on the outside depending on the matchup. Spector should get the nod on the outside opposite Bocanegra, although he's had a very challenging year at West Ham. What Spector lacks in overall pace he makes up for with intelligence and positioning. He's also adept at making the overlapping runs and crossing the ball in, as seen in the Confederations Cup as he set up a goal scored by Dempsey on a deft display of service. Goodson has played very solid for the National Team of late and provides a threat in the box due to his aerial ability and height. Marshall is coming off of a hamstring injury and hasn't been in great form in the MLS this season.

Questions: How will Demerit, Bocanegra, and Onyewu respond from injury? Will this group of frequently-injured defenders come together and play well?

It all comes down to injuries for this part of the team. The friendly vs. the Czech Republic will give Onyewu a much needed game and will be a great indicator to Bradley as to how Onyewu's conditioning and overall form is. No doubt this isn't the ideal situation injury wise for Bradley to have three projected starters coming off of injury with South Africa right around the corner, but this group does have great experience and a history of banding together to provide the squad a close-knit unit that is tough to score against for many opponents.

Next: Midfield



JOGA BONITO