Bradley selects Euro-centric U.S. roster for games against Poland and Colombia

i-6453b38dfef727a56891561ee5591960-edurangers.jpgFontana’s Maurice Edu, right, seen here playing for Glasgow Rangers in the UEFA Champions League Wednesday against Bursaspor, is among the mostly European based players selected for the two upcoming exhibitions the U.S. plays next month.

MLS clubs are in the middle of crucial playoff races when the U.S. plays friendles against Poland Oct. 9 in Chicago and Colombia Oct. 12 in Philadelphia.

“We understand this is a critical point in the season for teams in MLS,” said U.S. Coach Bob Bradley. “Given the circumstances, we felt it was important that the MLS players be given as much opportunity as possible to remain with their clubs and continue to make important contributions as the playoffs approach.”

Notable: Thirteen players on the roster also were on the World Cup roster.

Most interesting name on the roster: Jermaine Jones.

Most deserving up and coming player: Brek Shea

Here’s the roster:

goalkeepers – Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton)

defenders – Carlos Bocanegra (Saint-tienne), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover), Clarence Goodson (IK Start), Eric Lichaj (Aston Villa), Oguchi Onyewu (AC Milan), Michael Parkhurst (FC Nordsjaelland), Heath Pearce (FC Dallas), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United)

midfielders – Alejandro Bedoya (rebro), Michael Bradley (Borussia Moenchengladbach), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Benny Feilhaber (Aarhus), Stuart Holden (Bolton Wanderers), Jermaine Jones (FC Schalke), Brek Shea (FC Dallas)

forwards – Jozy Altidore (Villarreal), Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Eddie Johnson (Fulham)

Note: The FC Dallas duo of Heath Pearce and Brek Shea will join the U.S. team in Philadelphia on Oct. 10 following their weekend league match.

Facebook Twitter Plusone Digg Reddit Stumbleupon Tumblr Email