Coach Nowak announces US Olympic Squad

By: Dave Martinez | July 17th, 2008

The Offside took part in a teleconference for the announcement of the US Under 23 National Team Roster (Here’s to respectability!).

Coach Nowak has found his senior players, cut out some fat, and has found what he feels is the right choice of boys and men to represent the United States.

GOALKEEPERS (2):

Brad Guzan (Chivas USA)
Chris Seitz (Real Salt Lake)

DEFENDERS (5):

Patrick Ianni (Houston Dynamo)
Michael Orozco (San Luis)
Michael Parkhurst (New England Revolution)
Nathan Sturgis (Real Salt Lake)
Marvell Wynne (Toronto FC)

MIDFIELDERS (7):

Freddy Adu (SL Benfica)
Michael Bradley (SC Heerenveen)
Maurice Edu (Toronto FC)
Benny Feilhaber (Derby County)
Stuart Holden (Houston Dynamo)
Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA)
Danny Szetela (Brescia Calcio)

FORWARDS (4):

Jozy Altidore (Villarreal)
Charlie Davies (Hammarby IF)
Brian McBride (out of contract)
Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew)

ALTERNATES (4):

Goalkeeper: Dominic Cervi (Out of Contract)
Defender: Frankie Hejduk (Columbus Crew)
Midfielder: Dax McCarty (FC Dallas)
Forward: Robbie Findley (Real Salt Lake)

NOTABLE OMISSIONS

Nowak was clear to point out that players selected had to meet the following criteria: they must be in good health, in good team standing and have a burning desire to compete in their country’s name. One player, Dax McCarty, who has begun his process back to health, was an early victim of Nowaks selection criteria.

Other notable omissions would include Hunter Freeman, Eddie Gaven, Lee Nguyen and Gabe Ferrari. Though the forward lines do seem more than healthy, its a wonder how a player of Hunter Freeman’s versatility is left ommited.

THE SENIOR SPOTS

Another point Coach Nowak made repeatedly was the need to weigh the good of the national team progress with the Olympic squads hopes. Landon Donovan would have been an excellent selection, but it would ultimately hurt the US in qualifiers. So selection was very delicate. As has been rumored for months, Brian McBride will take up the honor, for the first time, of playing for his country in the Olympics. He wants it. He is available. And he is healthy. Criteria filled.

Joining McBride are goalkeeper Brad Guzan and defender Michael Parkhurst. Word from Nowak seem to be positive, as Aston Villa will not get in the way of Guzan’s participation. And Michael Parkhurst was a surprise selection to some, but with the healthy standing of New England, and the possibility that he may miss only 4 games, the choice was rather logical. He is also familiar with this core group of players, making a transition to the team seamless.

MORE ON THE SELECTION PROCESS

Another point stressed was versatility. Maurice Edu comes to mind in this sense. With Nowak, Edu has played some destroyer, as well as CD work in the past. Nowak plans on expanding on the defense with versatile midfielders, capable of filling the slots. With Michael Bradley manning much of the middle, along with Adu, Klejstan, Szetela and Feilhaber, the US will have more than enough flexibility with Edu’s movements.

Charlie Davies is torching Sweden, as he has begun learning a bit of toughness on the ball. No longer the kid who can be blown off of the ball with a light breeze, Davies is expected to shoulder much of the load for the attack. But he won’t be the focus. Red Bull Wunderkind and now Yellow Submarine Jozy Altidore, with his recent move to Villarreal, is looking to turn heads and gain some attention from his current organization. What a better way to do it than in the Olympics? Same for Freddy Adu - with a persistent rumor about a move to Monaco, Adu would benefit from this world wide spotlight (include Feilhaber and Szetela in this too).

Is this team strong enough to make an impact? What should the lineup be? What are your thoughts?