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 Left Backs:

So long, and thanks for the memories:

Left back is probably the shallowest position for the Yanks right now. During the World Cup, captain Carlos Bocanegra, usually a central defender, saw time in the position. By the time the team leaves for Brazil however, Boca will be 35, and if he goes, it will likely be as a last choice central defender to provide cover and experience.


See you next time:

Loathe him or just barely tolerate him, Jonathan Bornstein (29) is the obvious favorite for the slot going forward. A divisive figure amongst US soccer fans, Bornstein started the US's final two games in South Africa, against Algeria and Ghana, and managed not to make a complete embarrassment of himself.


Who else has a chance?

The obvious alternative right now is FC Dallas's Heath Pearce (29). Were it not for a recent drop in form, Pearce might have ousted Bornstein from the World Cup squad. The other senior option on the radar right now is former Mexican Edgar Castillo (27). Youth players looking to make a name for themselves are Akron's Kofi Sarkodie (23) and U-17 World Cup standout Tyler Polak (22). MLS left backs like Michael Harrington (28) or Jordan Harvey (30) could also force their way into contention.