Cooper, Conrad Recalled: Marshall Dropped as US Prepare for World Cup Coronation

The United States has basically sewn up a World Cup berth. Political trouble in Honduras coupled with the complete collapse of Costa Rican football (outside the youth level) in the past few months has the US virtually assured passage from CONCACAF. But Bob Bradley still is not leaving anything to chance, calling an experienced squad to the final two qualifiers against reeling sides.

GOALKEEPERS (2): Brad Guzan (Aston Villa: 5/3 SO), Tim Howard (Everton: 14/8 SO)
DEFENDERS (7): Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes: 24/3), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA, 4/0), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover: 19/0), Jimmy Conrad (Kansas City Wizards: 1/0), Clarence Goodson (IK Start: 1/0), Oguchi Onyewu (AC Milan: 18/1), Jonathan Spector (West Ham: 3/0)
MIDFIELDERS (7): Michael Bradley (Borussia Mönchengladbach: 13/4), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo: 7/1), Clint Dempsey (Fulham: 20/5), Benny Feilhaber (AGF Aarhus: 4/0), Stuart Holden (Houston Dynamo: 3/0), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew: 0/0), José Francisco Torres (Pachuca: 6/0)
FORWARDS (6): Jozy Altidore (Hull City: 11/6), Conor Casey (Colorado Rapids: 5/0), Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo: 16/6), Kenny Cooper (1860 Munich: 1/1), Charlie Davies (FC Sochaux: 5/2), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy: 33/11)

Kenny Cooper has started his club career in Germany well with 1860 Munchen, and his recall is a sign that Bradley is willing to look beyond the established pool of strikers for options. Conor Casey’s continued selection is baffling. Sure, he scores goals in MLS, but so did Jeff Cunningham, and much like Cunningham, Casey has proven to be a poor international.

Your thoughts on the squad selection are welcome here!