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    therealrico
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    About Me: I am a huge soccer fan. Grew up in Vermont playing for my club and school. In college I redshirted for Southern New Hampshire U(New Hampshire College while I was there). And later played four years at Johnson State College, a small school in Vermont.
    Marital Status Single
    School Johnson State College
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    Location:
    About Me: I am a huge soccer fan. Grew up in Vermont playing for my club and school. In college I redshirted for Southern New Hampshire U(New Hampshire College while I was there). And later played four years at Johnson State College, a small school in Vermont.
    Marital Status Single
    School Johnson State College

    US National Team Depth Chart

    Sunday, June 7, 2009, 01:58 PM EST [USA Men]

    I got the idea to do an ongoing US depth chart blog, from the Yanks Abroad website.  Basically after every World Cup Qualifier, they put who they believe will be going to the next world cup, to read it go here.   Rather than wait for each qualifier, I decided to do my own USA depth chart, which will change based on the players form throughout the year, so if they are playing well in the Premier League, or MLS, I will highlight them, and say why I believe they deserve the attention of Bob Bradley.  The players I choose are whom I believe should be in consideration, and are in the order I believe they fall on the depth chart. 

    Goalkeepers

    Tim Howard (Everton) - The undisputed number one of the US.  He just signed a five year contract with Everton, and he continues the excellence of the American keepers.

    Kasey Keller (Sounders) - I am not even sure if he is still in consideration for this list, because I think he retired, but I could be wrong.  I know Friedel retired, but yanks abroad had put him on their 23 tickets article.  If he is available I don't see why he wouldn't be number 2, enjoying a great season with Seattle, combined with his experience should put him on this list regardless.

    Marcus Hanemann (Reading) - Has been very solid for Reading, really not much more to say there.

    Brad Guzan (Aston Villa)  - His lack of playing time really hurts him, currently I think he is our number 2, but I think that is a big mistake because we have plenty of keepers who are getting plenty of playing time.

    Matt Reis  (Revolution) - I am very familiar with him being a New England fan, and believe he could be a great option for us.  His problem is he has to compete with so many other great keepers, and is also injured right now.

    Defenders

    Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes) - Our defense is an enigma and between our two starters in the center, we just never know what we are going to get.  The best way to describe Carlos is on two completely different games.  The World Cup Qualifier against Hondurus, showcased his leadership, and also his great ability to score goals on free kicks, in which he is always a danger. 

    On the other hand he does things like the game against Ghana in the World Cup.  Most people will remember the horrible foul called on Oguchi Onyewu that should have never been called in the first place, but few people remember, Gooch was put in that situation because of a horrible clearance by Carlos in the first place, rather than play it out of bounds and allow the team to get back, Bocanegra attempted an overhead kick to clear it out of danger, instead it headed toward the PK area, where Onyewu was called for the PK.

    Oguchi Onyewu (Standard Liege) - Going to Newcastle on loan, where seemingly capable central backs get sucked into a black hole of suckiness.  He has rebounded with a good season at Standard, but I would really like him to move to a more challenging league.  He is also capable of playing very good defense like the game against Mexico, where he man handled Jared Borgetti, or nearly blowing the game like the goal that was disallowed against Canada in the US Gold Cup in 2007.  No one can doubt he has the physical tools to be a great defender, just needs to work on his decision making, and positioning.

    Steve Cherundolo (Hanover 96) - My pick for right back, he has been recovering from a thigh injury, but in my opinion he offers the US the best defender who can also get forward and provide good service into the box, while also scoring the odd goal.

    Frankie Hejduk (Crew) - I really like Frankie Hejduk, I always have since he burst onto the scene during the 1998 World Cup, but he isn't the answer to right back.  He is a great defender that brings the intangibles, leadership, energy, motivation, but the guy can not cross a ball to save his life.  It is very frustrating, especially for someone like me who is really good at crossing the ball, and no lie can cross a ball 20 times better than Frankie can, he is just better at the other parts of the game.  I think he is a good player to have as a back up, but I don't want him to be a starter, someone who can come of the bench to protect a lead.

     Jonathon Spector (West Ham United) - Has struggled with injuries this year, but a very versatile player who did quite well in the Honduras game last night.

    Jonathon Bornstein (Chivas USA) - Left back is a revolving door of players, Eddie Lewis, Heath Pearce, even DaMarcus Beasley has tried the position, but I think Bornstein is our best option there.  He does a great job of getting up the field, he could work on a little bit more on his positioning, but I think he is a pretty solid left back.

    Jay Demerit (Watford) - Such a great story, if you haven't read about how he came out of know where to then become a starter for a premiership side, than read here.  He is just a consistent player who gets the job done, and is also a threat on set pieces.

    Michael Parkhurst (FC Nordsj

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