U.S. call Clark, Holden and Castillo in for Denmark

Monday, 16 November 09, 02:23 PM · Comments (0)

With the Houston Dynamo knocked out of the MLS playoffs, Ricardo Clark and Stuart Holden were called in for the friendly against Denmark on Wednesday. Neither are a surprise, having forced their way into the national team setup at this stage in their career. The other two call ups, Jose Francisco Torres and Edgar Castillo were a welcome sight -- though news also came out that Torres declined for personal reasons.

Making room for the trio were Chad Marshall (knee injury), Clint Dempsey (probably to rest), and Steve Cherundolo (likewise). Marshall's knee is still acting up, and the latter two will likely get some well-needed rest.

The players called up do little to inspire hope that the U.S. can improve on the offensive performance in Slovakia. Kenny Cooper sure has his detractors, but a quick survey of European geography reveals that Denmark isn't too far from Munich. Leaving Brian Ching out once again is a tad puzzling. However, if Altidore and Casey continue their apathetic form, look for the Hawaiian to come back.

And what about pace? No one on the depth chart, aside from Landon Donovan has any kind of pace worth mentioning.

Castillo's audition will likely be the biggest point worth keeping an eye on, as he will try and make his mark on the leftback position and Bob Bradley. Jonathan Bornstein has enjoyed an up-and-down 2009, at times looking like the answer at the back, other times making poor decisions, like conceding the penalty last Saturday.

Other non-regulars need to get a look. Why not start Eddie Johnson up front with one of the hulking forwards? Or Dax McCarty in midfield with Clark or Sacha Kljestan? If Slovakia was time for tinkering, no one would fault Bradley for some crazy lineup experimentation.

A look at the complete roster:

Goalkeepers: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton), Troy Perkins (Valerenga)

Defenders: Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Edgar Castillo (UNAL Tigres), Jimmy Conrad (Kansas City Wizards), Clarence Goodson (IK Start), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus Crew), Heath Pearce (FC Dallas), Jonathan Spector (West Ham)

Midfielders: Michael Bradley (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Stuart Holden (Houston Dynamo), Benny Feilhaber (AGF Aarhus), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Dax McCarty (FC Dallas), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo)

Forwards: Jozy Altidore (Hull City), Conor Casey (Colorado Rapids), Jeff Cunningham (FC Dallas), Eddie Johnson (Fulham)

U.S. call Clark, Holden and Castillo in for Denmark

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