1. Cunningham gets his shot. Four years after his last opportunity, MLS journeyman Jeff Cunningham, 33, gets another crack a World Cup roster. The domestic league's Golden Boot winner with 17 goals (16 of which came in FC Dallas' final 15 games), Cunningham is auditioning for Charlie Davies' vacated "speedy striker" role. His main competition this week is fleet-footed Fulham reserve Eddie Johnson, who received his first call-up since September 2008. Cunningham will have to make this chance count: If the Chicago Fire eliminate Real Salt Lake in MLS's Eastern Conference final on Saturday, Robbie Findley could play Nov. 18. in Denmark.
For more analysis of the U.S. roster -- including why Jozy Altidore is under pressure and a look at a player whose time might be up -- you must be an Insider.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
-
U.S. National Soccer Team Blog
We're your regular source for all the inside info on the U.S. national team. Whether it's breakdowns of player pool developments, news and notes from the club soccer world and its impact on the American side, or game coverage, we'll bring you consistent, exclusive access and insight. Contact us with comments and tips at ESPNUSSoccerblog@gmail.com.
-
Doug McIntyre
Doug McIntyre has watched or attended almost every U.S. national team game since Paul Caligiuri's "shot heard 'round the world" in 1989. He is a staff writer for ESPN The Magazine and has covered American and international soccer since 2002.
- USMNT Depth Chart
Who are the top four players at every position? - Top 25 American players
Who are the best U.S. players right now? - Top 25 U.S. U-21 prospects
Who are the top young players for the U.S.? - The Brazil Board
What will Team USA look like in 2014?