As defined by NSC reader Mike, for our purposes, a "dark horse" is basically anyone outside the 23 guys that USMNT coach Bob Bradley would choose if the roster deadline was tomorrow.
At this late stage, he my well be right about that. However, it wasn't that long ago that a youngster came seemingly from almost nowhere to win a World Cup place. It is not out of tribute that his names appears below; still, I'm sure he'd rather it didn't.
I'm picking these based on the likelihood they grab a spot in South Africa. Naturally, I've factored in which positions are most likely to need the help, but I did manage to cover the entire field.
I've excluded naming anyone recovering from injury that would normally make the cut, such as Mo Edu or Jermaine Jones.
Our honorable mentions: Freddy Adu, DaMarcus Beasley, Brad Davis, Robbie Findley, Eddie Gaven, Cory Gibbs, Frankie Hejduk, Eddie Johnson, Michael Orozco, Chris Rolfe, Frank Simek, Zak Whitbread.
#5 - Marcus Hahnemann
Not only is he one injury from starting in the Prem again, he is the best "blend of experience and quality" option if for some reason Timmay couldn't go.
I'm not sure his chances literally are better than some of the honorable mention field players, but I figured it would be best to include a keeper.
#4 - Geoff Cameron
I very easily could have given this spot to Adu as a #10/natural lefty attacking option. He very well may catch fire at Belenenses and I wouldn't be shocked. However, coach Bradley has two central midfielders in rehab and this model also plays wide, it plays defense, it tackles, it crosses, it's good on set pieces, it slices, it dices... you should see what it does to cole slaw!
But seriously, physical versatility is a big plus when tourney rosters are built - especially when injuries are taking a toll on regulars. I must say it's a somewhat major surprise that Cameron has never been capped. He seems a prototype Bradley player to me.
Is it because the Dynamo always already have 2-3 players plucked on FIFA days? Hmmm, could be. But let's not get off on a separate tangent; if you want a 2010 "Beasley" in the team, this may be your man.
#3 - Jeff Cunningham
If Cunny is still torching nets weekly next spring, he will get at least a friendly call-up. If he gets a friendly call-up and busts out his net torching kit... well... we all know how this works.
Productive 'n fast often beats out productive 'n slow when it comes time to face the world's best.
#2 - Jimmy Conrad
The Kansas City Wizards captain has a lot going for him when the "pro" list gets drawn up. He is a set piece scoring threat, can dribble from the back to distribute and has very high quality World Cup minutes on his résumé.
Yes, Gibbs could look twice as strong in his second full season back from the knee troubles. I hope that does happen, but as of now, this is my veteran guy when one of the top four goes down.
In fact, I'd tell you that Conrad should be in that top four right now.
#1 - Heath PearceHe is the most natural two-way left back in the pool. He is also the most cultured. He can play three other positions.
Most of all, Pearce has suffered from the lack of sharpness that tends to come with a lack of matches, and he has now found a regular job in the same time zone as U.S. Soccer headquarters.
This is a no-brainer.
- Greg Seltzer
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16 comments:
I would rather see Johnson instead of Cunningham and that is saying a lot.
I can certainly see why, but it's possible Cunningham has more goals than EJ has games between now and May.
The knock on Cunningham has never been his productivity, it's been his attitude and buying into the team. He never worked with Arena and he almost certainly would never work with Bradley, who is far less likely than Bruce to roll the dice. Oddly enough Cunningham featured in the end of the last qualifying cycle - even playing against Mexico. Unfortunately this time around, we can't afford to experiment and give some people some time in these last two matches, depriving guys of some good looks from the staff and making it harder for a darkhorse this time around
It may well be harder this time... but we won't know for sure until we see who's injured and/or scorching hot in March and April. There will still be a couple of Jan/Feb friendlies and 4-5 tune-ups directly leading up to the tourney.
Ok, I am just going to throw this one out there (and no, this isn't the annoying "Charles Renken" or "Joseph Gyau" suggestion): Alejandro Bedoya. If he can stay productive with Orebro, maybe he gets a call in January for the camp. From there, you just never know.
Ok. It's a long shot in an already-crowded midfield. But we DID say dark horses, right?
It's possible Bedoya gets a January call, but I don't expect him to be a factor this cycle unless we have a playmaker crisis.
He's been doing well, but not so well as to rush past guys like Holden in such a short time.
Nice post, Greg. I was looking for some "oh no he didn't's" in this list, but I think you covered it well. I still think Freddy is in the top-5 dark horses (assuming his playing time trend continues), but I can't argue otherwise...
I think Jimmy Conrad is criminally underrated. He should be on the World Cup team, especially if Demerit is injured, which seems to happen a lot. He's a leader, good in the air, can handle the ball, and seems to stay calm. Criminally underrated. Plus his Twitter account was the best thing going until he deleted it.
Wish Jeff Cunningham would buy into the system. He is one of my favorite players to watch when he is trying. He can have those moments of brilliance such as Clint Mathis goal against the Koreans in the 2002 WC.
I really agree on Conrad I've been saying since he last worl cup that he should be our #3 cb I like demerit a lot too but I have never understood why Conrad hasn't featured under Bradley. I honestly would take Conrad over demerit anyway and leave boca on the left until pearce is ready though I'd be tempted to take boca out of the lineup against teams with speedy right wingers. Pearce shouldn't really be a dark horse I understand the parameters but he's so far in front of all the other options on the left in terms of ability that it really should just be a matter of time until he's a regular again he just needs to get some games
I liked the inclusion of Cameron. I have wondered by he wasn't more of a pick for Bradley considering he is willing to play where his coaches put him and does a good job at it as well. I like his attitude and his skill set.
Darn it, I have wondered why (not by) he wasn't picked by Bradley.
Beasley and convey on the outside looking in. Must be really tough for them. Gibbs too. Hopefully one of then makes it...
That's fair on Bedroya, Greg. I was just trying to dig deep. You did a killer job on the list, so there wasn't much else for me to do.
I would like to see him get a call up, though--especially since it will be the offseason in Sweden (I think).
How is Convey playing lately? I have not heard about him at all.
I only watched a bit of the Earthquakes game last night but Convey looked like his usual self--fast, prone to bad runs, and really, really dependent on his right foot.
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