USMNT: Nats Begin Quest for Gold Cup
U.S. Head Coach Bob Bradley is looking to expand his choices for the CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament. Angel Magaña/LAist
The U.S. Men’s National Team faces its first match of the year against Chile this evening at the Home Depot Center, but it is a team that bares little resemblance to the World Cup 2010 squad.
Loaded with mostly MLS talent, twelve of the players that U.S. Head Coach Bob Bradley called into camp have never made an appearance with the Nats. Included in this group is Galaxy defender A.J. DeLaGarza, also making his first appearance in the U.S. camp.
Fortunately for DeLaGarza, some familiar faces should make it easier for him to take advantage of the opportunity. Fellow Galaxy defenders Sean Franklin and Omar Gonzalez are also in camp. Gonzalez is the only one of the three with a cap to his name, a bit of a rarity in this camp as the remaining 11 players only comprise a total of 26 caps.
Although lacking experience, the expanded player pool allows Bradley to weigh his options for the upcoming CONCACAF Gold Cup 2011 tournament in June. Conversely, Chile is preparing for Copa America 2011, hosted by Argentina in July.
Tonight’s match will allow Bradley to experiment with new players and against a quality side, but things may be a bit disjointed at times as a result. Regardless, players will want to make an impression for future consideration which should give us an entertaining match.
Match Details
USA vs Chile
When: Saturday, January 22, 2011
Time: 7:00 PM
Where: Home Depot Center, Carson
TV: Telefutura