Davis: A Possible 18 for Trinidad and Tobago
Goal.com
On April 1, the United States faces what will probably be its easiest test of the Hexagonal Round (yes, yes, I know there are no easy games) when it takes on Trinidad and Tobago in Nashville, TN. Bob Bradley's squad is infinitely familiar with the Caribbean nation, having played it twice during the semifinal round—an easy 3-0 victory at home and a 2-1 loss after the U.S. had already qualified for the final round. While a win is by no means assured, the American coach can, and should, use this match to get some players experience in the 18 even if they don't make it on to the pitch.
Tim Howard—The Everton keeper is suspended for the match in El Salvador, but should return to the starting XI against T&T.
Brad Guzan—You could make a case for Guzan starting this match as well and letting Howard stay in England, but the Americans need to win and having a rock-solid backstop is essential.
Steve Cherundolo—He's still the No. 1 option at right back, and the oft-injured Cherundolo should play if he's healthy. It would be nice to see Jonathan Spector (or Marvell Wynne, against El Salvador) get some time, as both have huge upsides.
Jonathan Spector—Despite being part of the U.S. soccer conversation for the better part of decade, the West Ham defender is still only 23. He recently returned to the starting line-up on his club team and deserves a call into camp. You could also make a case for Frank Simek getting a spot here.
Carlos Bocanegra—For now, the center back debate is settled. What Bocanegra and his partner, Oguchi Onyewu, need most is to work on their communication. There's no better way to do this than by playing with each other.
Oguchi Onyewu—See above.
Danny Califf—The sometimes-U.S.-captain provides much needed depth at center back. Jay DeMerit is another option as well, but not for this match.
Jonathan Bornstein—Between this game and the one against El Salvador, Bornstein could lock up the left back spot for the near future. He could lose it just as easily.
Clint Dempsey—The Texas-native scored another goal for Fulham over the weekend and continues to find himself. Could Bradley switch Dempsey and Landon Donovan at some point? Their talents might be better served by a change in position.
Michael Bradley—He's more than earned right to start. His father's faith in him wasn't misplaced.
Sacha Kljestan—He and Bradley could be the tandem of the future. Or not. We'll soon see.
Ricardo Clark—Pablo Mastroeni is more experienced, but likely won't make the trip to South Africa. Clark, who's only 26, could. This is a perfect fixture for him to get some experience.
DaMarcus Beasley—After suffering a vicious tackle in a Rangers game, Beasley luckily escaped uninjured. He has a place in the Nats lineup, but where exactly is up for debate. Left midfield? Left back? Coming off the bench as a late injection of speed?
Freddy Adu—This call is pending the fact that he starts playing at Monaco, which he seems to think will happen soon. If not, Jose Francisco Torres gets another nod.
Landon Donovan — No explanation needed.
Brian Ching—Explanation needed: The Dynamo forward isn't dynamic. He will never be. But he's athletic and strong and knows what to do with the ball. Granted, that is frequently to pass it back, but that's the system that is in place. You can't fault him for playing within the rules set out by his coach. And, as we saw from watching Kenny Cooper try to play the same role, Ching is much, much more successful.
Jozy Altidore—Get the kid on the field. Good things happen.
Charlie Davies—He and Kenny Cooper will split duties in this two-game camp. With Cooper getting the nod in El Salvador, the former B.C. Eagle is the choice here.
Noah Davis covers the United States Men's National Team for Goal.com.
