With the World Cup over, as far as the United States Men’s National Team is concerned, I’m going to be be taking a multi-part look at the players currently making up our player pool, and the players who will be making their case to be included on the 2014 roster. I’ll be looking at who’s played in their last World Cup, who’s got another tournament (or more) in them, and who will be fighting to make their first World Cup roster.


The Central Defenders:


So long, and thanks for the memories:

This is the oldest position, on average, for the Yanks. Of the four central defenders who went to South Africa, two, Carlos Bocanegra and Jay DeMerit, are past their thirtieth birthday. I'd be very surprised to see DeMerit still in contention at the next tournament at the age of 34, but I wouldn't completely rule out Carlos Bocanegra (35) being taken as a last choice reserve if the other players in the position are relatively inexperienced. Clarence Goodson (32) may have lost his narrow toehold on the fourth spot by the time Brazil rolls around.


See you next time:

Oguchi Onyewu (32) will, injury free, be the experienced head on the backline come the 2014 World Cup. His physicality and aerial ability may require a quicker partner, but they're attributes that are too important to be ignored, even if Gooch, who was never the fastest of players, has lost a step or two by then. Bocanegra (35) could be brought along as a wizened head in the locker room. Clarence Goodson (32) will have stiff competition for his spot on the bench, but he's a favorite of Bob Bradley's.


Who else has a chance?

Narrowly missing out on making this roster was Crew standout Chad Marshall (29) who may be the player most ready to step up in this position. Los Angeles's Omar Gonzalez (25), the reigning MLS rookie of the year, has been earning rave reviews for his pivotal role in the best team in the league right now. Other players with a chance are New York's rookie Tim Ream (26) and the San Jose pair of Brandon McDonald (28) and the highly-touted Ike Opara (25). A dark horse could be the experienced Zak Whitbread (30) of English Championship club Norwich City.
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