Filed under: MLS, US Soccer, U.S. Men's National Team, FC Dallas, Los Angeles Galaxy, Real Salt Lake
U.S. national team coach Bob Bradley has named his first team since signing a new four-year contract, but he avoided taking too many risks when selecting the players who will face Poland and Colombia in exhibition matches next month.Thirteen of the 20 players were on the team that went to South Africa for the World Cup.
Landon Donovan, who is involved in a Supporters Shield race with the Los Angeles Galaxy (15-6-5), was not named. Neither was teammate Edson Buddle, who leads Major League Soccer with 14 goals. World Cup forward Robbie Findley of Real Salt Lake (13-4-9) also was left off.
FC Dallas (11-2-13), which is trailing L.A. by four points in the Western Conference, will have two players on the squad, however. Defender Heath Pearce is a relative regular, while 20-year-old midfielder Brek Shea will be looking to earn his first cap with the senior side. He has represented the U.S. at the under-20 level.
The pair reportedly will not play in the Oct. 9 game against Poland. Dallas hosts the Colorado Rapids that night. They will join up with the U.S. in time for the Colombia match three days later.
They are the only MLS players on Bradley's team.
"We understand this is a critical point in the season for teams in MLS," Bradley said. "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."
There are several European newcomers, however. Schalke 04 midfielder Jermaine Jones is likely to make his long-awaited U.S. debut. He was called in for the August friendly against Brazil but pulled out because of lingering ankle trouble.
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