A very busy 2015 rolls on for the US. Games against Chile and Panama are behind them, and games against Denmark and Switzerland lay directly ahead. It’s the first chance of the year for Jurgen Klinsmann to get a look at most of his European based players in the national team setting. It also looks like Klinsmann will have his strongest squad since the World Cup, with 11 of the players on that World Cup team called into this camp.

A total of 23 players have been called in for this camp, but the headliners on the roster for the US are Clint Dempsey, Michael Bradley, and Jozy Altidore, all of whom play in MLS. Seven MLS players were called in along with four from Liga MX and one from the NASL. The remaining 11 all come from European clubs.

The most intriguing selection is that of Club America defender Ventura Alvarado, who is eligible to play for both the US and Mexico. Alvarado has said publicly that he has no preference on which country he plays for, but that his goal is to earn a call up from at least one of them. This drew criticism from fellow LIGA MXer and USMNTer Herculez Gomez who said that Alvarado should keep his indecision to himself. Other roster surprises include Club Leon goalkeeper William Yarbrough receiving his first call up and the exclusion of Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan, whose wife is expecting a baby.

For Denmark, currently atop Group I in Euro 2016 Qualifying, there was a lot of uncertainty regarding their roster. The players and the federation were involved in a pay dispute that had it not been resolved, would have led to a player strike. A deal was reached on Saturday that sees the players take a 17% pay cut, but receive substantial bonuses should they qualify for major tournaments such as Euro 2016. US Soccer expects to play a full Danish squad on Wednesday.

Notes:

  1. The US U-23’s and U-20’s are also playing some friendlies to prepare for Olympic qualifying and the U-20 World Cup respectively.
  2. Nick Rimando looks to get at least one start during this international fixture window. Rimando has an impressive record of 10-1-2 with four shutouts.
  3. FC Erzgebirge forward Bobby Wood was not called up for this camp, despite playing in Europe and being called into the January Camp.
  4. Under Jurgen Klinsmann, the USMNT has a record of 4-6-2 in games in Europe, but is currently on a streak of five of the last six without a win (the loan win was against the Czech Republic).

When, Where

3/25/15

NRGi Park

Arhus, Denmark

3pm ET

ESPN, UniMas

All-Time Series

USA trails 1-4-6

Last Meeting

11/18/09

NRGi Park

Arhus, Denmark

3 Denmark USA 1

Next Game Up

3/31/15

USA @ Switzerland

Stadion Letzigrund

Zurich, Switzerland