Los Angeles Galaxy forward Landon Donovan and FC Dallas midfielder Brek Shea were dropped from USA roster for two crucial World Cup Brazil qualifiers due to injuries.
The loss of Donovan is a big blow for the U.S. He is the all-time US leader with 49 goals in 130 matches and his absence focuses the spotlight once again on JurgenKlinsmann’s baffling decision not to call upon Jozy Altidore, who has eight goals in eight league matches for Dutch side AK Alkmaar.
Instead, Klinsmann selected MLS strikers Eddie Johnson and Alan Gordon to join Herculez Gomez and Clint Dempsey up-front for the Americans.
“It’s unfortunate for Landon and Brek that they won’t be able to play,” said Klinsmann. “Landon was very optimistic over the weekend when his knee was feeling much better, but now he needs time to recover.
“We knew Brek was a question mark coming in, and now we have a clear picture of where he stands. We feel confident that the group we have will get the job done.”
It’s huge week for Klinsmann and U.S. soccer. The Americans are level with Guatemala atop their group on seven points and even in goal difference and goals scored, with Jamaica third on seven points as well but trailing in goal difference. One of the squads will not advance.
After visiting Antigua and Barbuda, the US squad will conclude the round with a home match on Tuesday against Guatemala at Kansas City.