U.S. Men’s National Team head coach Bob Bradley has named a 20 player roster to face the Netherlands at Amsterdam ArenA on March 3 in the team’s final international fixture date before the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
The team, which includes sixteen European-based, three domestic-based players and one player based in Mexico, will begin gathering on Sunday, Feb. 28 in Amsterdam. The U.S. will train have two days of training before facing the Netherlands. The match will also be the on-field debut of the 2010 Men’s National Team away kit which the team will wear during the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
“This is a great opportunity for us to bring many of our European-based players together as we continue to finalize our plans for the World Cup roster,” Bradley said. “This is the final match before we bring the team together for the World Cup, so to have a match against one of the top teams in the world like the Netherlands is a big benefit and a good challenge for our group. They are expecting a large crowd to turn out for the game, and we are looking forward to an exciting atmosphere in Amsterdam.”
Nine of the players in Bradley’s squad are currently playing in England, with Watford’s Jay DeMerit among those included. DeMerit has not featured for the U.S. since the Aug. 12, 2009, game against Mexico in Mexico City, but has returned from injury to feature for his team in the English Championship. Midfielder Stuart Holden is called into his first U.S. squad since signing with Premier League side Bolton Wanderers following the conclusion of the 2009 MLS season.
Also returning to the fold is defender Frank Simek, who last appeared for the U.S. on June 24, 2007, in the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup final, a 2-1 win against Mexico at Soldier Field. Maurice Edu, a teammate of Beasley’s at Rangers, rejoins the U.S., having last appeared for the U.S. in the semifinal round of 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying in a 2-1 win against Trinidad & Tobago on Oct. 15, 2008, in Port of Spain.
Rounding out the European contingent are Jonathan Spector, Jozy Altidore, Clarence Goodson and Eddie Johnson, who recently joined Greek club Aris Thessaloniki on loan from Fulham, as well as Alejandro Bedoya, who earned his first U.S. MNT cap against Honduras in January. The only player who does not ply his trade in MLS or in Europe is José Torres, who has been a consistent performer for Pachuca in Mexico.
ROSTER BY POSITION
GOALKEEPERS (3): Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Tim Howard (Everton)
DEFENDERS (7): Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes), Jay DeMerit (Watford), Clarence Goodson (IK Start), Heath Pearce (FC Dallas), Frank Simek (Sheffield Wednesday), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United)
MIDFIELDERS (7): DaMarcus Beasley (Rangers), Alejandro Bedoya (Orebro), Michael Bradley (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Landon Donovan (Everton), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Stuart Holden (Bolton Wanderers), José Torres (Pachuca)
FORWARDS (3): Jozy Altidore (Hull City), Robbie Findley (Real Salt Lake), Eddie Johnson (Aris Thessaloniki)