USMNT Adds Greg Garza, Drops Brad Davis Off Of Gold Cup Roster
By Sean Maslin
Thank goodness for provisional rosters. Sadly injuries are a part of the game and it does happen that teams from time to time need to replace one player with another. Although it is always fun to see coaches scramble and to make chicken salad out of…you get the point. But it is also good to see some players step up when given the opportunity. Greg Garza will have that opportunity at the 2015 Gold Cup as he has been added to the United States Men’s National Team roster.
Garza, who was just picked up by Atlas in Liga MX on loan, has made 7 appearances for the USMNT. He kind of flew under the radar for years due to playing in Liga MX. But because of the improved coverage of Mexican soccer here in the United States (in particular with the non-Spanish speaking audience) Garza has become a more recognizable name and face for U.S. Soccer supporters.
Houston Dynamo midfielder Brad Davis is being taken off of the roster due to a knee injury. Although he did not play in their June 20th match against the Portland Timbers Davis did feature late in the Dynamo’s loss on Friday night against FC Dallas. It appears that Davis was dropped off of the Gold Cup roster as a favor to the Dynamo so that he can rest and get fully healthy.
It is an interesting swap of players because the two play very different positions. Davis is a midfielder was likely not going to start any matches in the Gold Cup. In terms of the roster Davis’ absence likely means additional minutes for Graham Zusi and Alfredo Morales as they fill Davis’ role as a center or left-midfielder the best (Zusi at center, Morales at left).
Meanwhile the addition of Garza makes the center-back all the more complicated. Klinsmann already has Ventura Alvarado, Omar Gonzalez, and John Brooks. Gonzalez and Brooks are likely to start with Garza and Alvarado vying to be the first substitute off of the bench.
The good news for Garza is that the United States will play three matches in the span of six days during the first round of the Gold Cup (July 7th against Honduras, July 10th against Haiti, and July 13th against Panama). Of the three opponents his style physical style meshes best against Panama who have a very conventional style with a traditional style. But given that is probably the U.S.’ most difficult opponent in Group A, Klinsmann may opt to run all of his starters out for that match. It really depends upon if USA can get three points against Honduras and if they can avoid a slip up against Haiti.
What is known is that Garza will be available tonight for the USMNT’s friendly against Guatemala in Nashville, Tennessee (630pm EST, Fox Sports 1). Be sure to come back check for highlights here on MLS Multiplex!