U.S. announce roster for Denmark, Slovakia friendlies

US Soccer has announced the roster for the upcoming friendlies vs. Slovakia (11/14) and Denmark (11/18).

GK: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton), Troy Perkins (Valerenga).
DEF: Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover), Jimmy Conrad (Kansas City Wizards), Clarence Goodson (Start), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus Crew), Chad Marshall (Columbus Crew), Heath Pearce (FC Dallas), Jonathan Spector (West Ham).
MID: Michael Bradley (Monchengladbach), Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Benny Feilhaber (AGF Aarhus), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Dax McCarty (FC Dallas), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew).
FWD: Jozy Altidore (Hull City), Conor Casey (Colorado Rapids), Jeff Cunningham (FC Dallas), Eddie Johnson (Fulham).

Dilly Duka signs with MLS

Soccer Insider reports that US U-20 starlet Dilly Duka has signed with MLS. Duka was exploring options in Europe, but has opted to enter the MLS draft this winter. A product of the Red Bulls academy, he has made it known that he hopes to end up in New Jersey. Seems likely, as Red Bull New York Red Bulls have the second overall pick.

As much as I like to see our top youngsters head over to Europe at an early age, I think it’s great that MLS is able to land some promising young Americans. It’s an option that seems to really work for a lot of players.

Gale Agbossoumonde in discussions with Sporting Braga

Soccer by Ives is reporting that US U-20 and Miami FC’s Gale Agbossoumonde is in serious negotiations with Sporting Braga to join the club on loan on Nov. 17, when he turns 18. At 6′2 and 185 pounds, Agbossoumonde is expected to join the club’s youth team.

Bradley’s Babes: 23 for 2010

Now that we have officially qualified for the World Cup, it is time for the first installment of Bradley’s Babes: 23 for 2010–our attempt to answer the question, “Who should we take along?”  But instead of taking the standard approach–doing our best to guess who Bob will take to South Africa–we decided to focus on who we would like him to take.

Before we get started, a couple of notes specifically pertaining to this list:  We are going to assume the worst-case scenario becomes reality–Oguchi Onyewu and Charlie Davies are out for the World Cup.  Of course we don’t want this to happen–we aren’t even suggesting it is the most likely outcome–but there are two reasons we decided to approach it this way: prepare for the worst, but hope for the best; and it’s just more interesting (everyone knows Davies and Onyewu are locks, if healthy and match fit).  It should also be noted that we are trying to take into account what will happen over the next year.  For example, Castillo and Jones might not be ready to go into action with the Yanks today, but by next summer, we think they will be.

Without further ado, here is Bradley’s Babes, edition one:

U.S. U-17 World Cup TV schedule

All of the American’s matches in the U-17 world cup will be televised here in the States:

-Mon Oct 26
Spain v USA – 2pm ET on ESPNU & Galavision
-Thu Oct 29
USA v Malawi – 11am ET on ESPNU
-Sun Nov 1
USA v UAE – 10am ET on ESPNU

These are all available on ESPN360 as well.

U.S. to face Slovakia on November 14

As reported just about everywhere, the USSF seems to have nailed down a friendly with Slovakia on November 14. This news comes on the heels of the announcement of the November 18 match against Denmark.

Luis Gil to Arsenal not a done deal

Soccer by Ives is reporting that Luis Gil’s move to Arsenal has not been completed. Gil has received interest from other European clubs and is looking to turn his trip to the U-17 World Cup into a new contract.

Jermaine Jones cleared to play for USA

FIFA has approved the change of association application for Jermaine Jones, making the midfielder available for selection for the U.S. Men’s National Team. Well, qualifying is over and Jones is still fighting an injury, but this is still good news. He should help the team immensely once he has recovered.

U.S. announce roster for U-17 World Cup

The U.S. will open Group E play in Kano, Nigeria against Spain on Oct. 26, at 7 p.m. local time (2 p.m. ET). The team will stay at Sani Abacha Stadium to play Malawi on Oct. 29 at 4 p.m. (11 a.m. ET) before moving to Ijebu-Ode and Gateway International Stadium to finish the first round against United Arab Emirates on Nov. 2 at 4 p.m. (10 a.m. ET). All three of the American’s group games will be televised live on ESPNU and Galavision.

GOALKEEPERS: Keith Cardona (NY Red Bulls; Glen Rock, N.J.), Earl Edwards (La Jolla Nomads; San Diego, Calif.), Spencer Richey (Crossfire Premier; Seattle, Wash.)
DEFENDERS: Zachary Herold (West Pines United FC, Port St. Lucie, Fla.), Perry Kitchen (Chicago Magic; Indianapolis, Ind.), Boyd Okwuonu (Celtic Green; Edmond, Okla.), Tyler Polak (CSA Legacy; Lincoln, Neb.), Jared Watts (North Meck Storm; Statesville, N.C.), Eriq Zavaleta (FC Pride; Westfield, Ind.)
MIDFIELDERS: Marlon Duran (Latino Americana; Ducanville, Texas), Luis Gil (Pateadores; Garden Grove, Calif.), Carlos Martinez (Wilmington Jr.; San Pedro, Calif), William Packwood (Birmingham City, Concord, Mass.), Nick Palodichuk (Washington Premier; Battleground, Wash.), Alex Shinsky (Super Nova FC; York, Pa.)
FORWARDS: Juan Agudelo (NY Red Bulls; Barnegat, N.J.), Victor Chavez (Real So Cal; Fontana, Calif), Andrew Craven (First Coast Kickers; St. Simons Island, Ga.), Stefan Jerome (West Pines United FC; Davie, Fla.), Jack McInerney (Cobb SC; Alpharetta, Ga.), Dominick Sarle (BW Gottschee; Huntington, N.Y.)

USA win the group!

The 2-0 first-half deficit made it seem unlikely, but the US were able to battle back to match points with Mexico, and therefore, win the group.  Well done, boys!  Here are some thoughts from the game:

-It was great to see the US create so many chances.  You’d like to see us finish more of those (obviously), but on another day, it could have easily been 5-2.

-Despite John Harkes’ love for our left back, I think Bornstein actually had a pretty bad game (other than the goal at the end, which was pretty great).  He has the speed, but he gets beat a little too easily.  He isn’t that great on the ball.  His crosses aren’t very good.  I’d like to see us try out some other options at left back.

-Benny!  You look so good coming off the bench.  Why can’t you make more of your starting opportunities?

-Robbie Rogers looked good out there.  I don’t think Holden should be a lock as Dempsey’s replacement.

-Torres needs more playing time.

-That’s the Conor Casey we’re used to seeing.  I think it’s time to give Kenny Cooper another crack at the starting XI.

-Jozy Altidore may have had the best Brian Ching performance ever (distributing, drawing fouls, but unable to finish).  He is very close to being an absolute monster.

-Gooch out 3-4 months.  DeMerit out indefinitely.  Davies out 6-12 months.  Our depth is about to be put to the test.

-For the next two games, I’m a Costa Rica fan.  Let’s hope Ruiz can put in performances against Uruguay like the one he did against the US last night.  Best of luck, Ticos.