Jul 10
US Olympic Roster: Who Should the Three Overage Players Be?
As we draw closer to the July 23rd deadline for submitting Olympic rosters, it is time for speculation to begin on who the USA should bring. Each team is allowed 18 players, three are allowed to be older than 22, the rest are not. Peter Nowak I’m sure, is busy calling players and their clubs as he tries to put together the best 18 players. Nowak also had to deal with a World Cup Qualifier on August 20th which potentially conflicts with the Olympics. All over-age call ups will also have to take into account the qualifier. So, here’s my take on the three over age players he should take.Over-Age Players
Forward
Peter Nowak has a lot of talented options at his disposal for his 3 over-age players. The first player that he should pick is Brian Mcbride. Mcbride is not only a proven goal scorer at the highest level, he is also a forward who can possess and control play. His physical size and his international experience make him a shoe in for one of the over-age spots. He is also retired from the full national team so, Nowak doesn’t have to worry about his availability for the match against Guatemala.
Defender
The next player Nowak should choose is a central defender. With Jonathan Spector out with an injury, the defense needs some re-enforcements. Carlos Bocanegra is the perfect man for the job. He can partner Michael Orozco who did a fantastic job in qualifying in the center of defense. Bocanegra makes sense because of his physical prowess and his aerial ability. His leadership and charisma would also be invaluable to the team.
Goalie
The last spot is a tough one to decide upon. Do you go with a play-maker or a strong goalie. Nowak could justify taking a Damarcus Beasley or a Landon Donavan, but what he really needs is a reliable goalie. The first that might come to mind is Tim Howard, or Brad Guzan, but I think Nowak will have trouble getting them released from their clubs (they also will probably be involved in the qualifiers). Howard is very important to Everton and Guzan will probably be at Villa trying to settle in to a starting spot. Nowak could look to an aging Kasey Keller but I think he should take Marcus Hanhemann. Hanhemann plays for Reading in the championship and his release would be considerably easier to get than Guzan or Howard. Marcus is a premiership quality goalie and he could be an invaluable asset to the team if chosen.
There you have it, my picks for the over-age spots on the Olympic squad. What do you think? Would you take different players? Are the correct positions covered? Let your voice be heard below.
July 10th, 2008 at 8:44 am
I like your picks for the overage players. Can’t argue at all with taking McBride and Hanhemann (although I hope Seitz gets one game because he is quality and needs to move to get some playing time). I also agree that Nowak should certainly take a defender. However, getting Boca released from his new club may prove difficult and he may want to stay and get acclimated to France. I’d go with either Demerit, Gooch, Califf or Pwearce. (And if Subotic ever decides on the US we won’t even need to use an overage spot)
July 10th, 2008 at 9:01 am
Agreed, we’d be taking someone like donovan or Beasley if we didn’t need a defender. If Spector could play or if Subotic comes, we should totally take beasley or donovan or even dempsey.
July 13th, 2008 at 11:18 am
I think Kasey Keller has so much experience and knowledge as a goal keeper. He is still a very active and vital part of soccer. He would serve the USA proud.