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What Should the USMNT World Cup Roster Look Like Post Gold Cup?

By Eric Harris

SAN DIEGO, CA - JANUARY 29: Head coach Bruce Arena of the United States looks on during pregame warm-ups prior to their match against Serbia at Qualcomm Stadium on January 29, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kent Horner/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - JANUARY 29: Head coach Bruce Arena of the United States looks on during pregame warm-ups prior to their match against Serbia at Qualcomm Stadium on January 29, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kent Horner/Getty Images) /
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Assessing who helped and hurt their stock by picking 23 names now.

There is still plenty of time for things to change, but the Gold Cup was meant to be a big proving ground for making the 2018 World Cup squad. The USMNT has several spots that appear to be locked in with just a few at each position to go. So who helped and who hurt themselves this past month?

Goalkeepers (3)

Going to Russia: Tim Howard, Brad Guzan, Ethan Horvath

Just Missed: Nick Rimando, Jesse Gonzalez

No big surprises here, Howard and Guzan are the two main keepers for the USMNT. The last spot should go to a younger player, and Horvath could potentially get some Champions League time in the next few months.

Defenders (7)

Going to Russia: John Brooks, Geoff Cameron, Fabian Johnson, Deandre Yedlin, Omar Gonzalez, Matt Besler, Jorge Villafaña

Just Missed: Graham Zusi, Eric Lichaj, Matt Miazga

Instead of arguing over Zusi or Lichaj as a backup right back, instead just have the option of putting Cameron or, in an extreme emergency, Roldan there. That gives the opportunity to add more attacking options on the roster.

The Gold Cup performers are mostly there, with the exception of Matt Hedges, who had a rough tournament and has a long uphill climb to get back up to contention.

Midfielders (9)

Going to Russia: Michael Bradley, Christian Pulisic, Darlington Nagbe, Kellyn Acosta, Kelyn Rowe, Paul Arriola, Cristian Roldan, Sebastian Lletget, Alejandro Bedoya

Just Missed: Kenny Saief, Gyasi Zardes

If everyone is healthy, there are a lot of options here. Plenty of youth and experience at all positions. Arriola and Rowe both helped themselves in the Gold Cup. Arriola less so but at this point is in better form against Zardes.

The injury to Saief came at the worst possible time, but is a big blow to his chances. No one in the Gold Cup aside from Rowe really took advantage so the door is still open for him though.

Forwards (4)

Going to Russia: Jozy Altidore, Jordan Morris, Clint Dempsey, Bobby Wood

Just Missed: Dom Dwyer, Juan Agudelo

Jordan Morris’ winner not only gave the US a title, it really gave him a leg up in the race for the World Cup. Altidore and Dempsey also showed how integral they are as well.

Agudelo didn’t help his case any and Dwyer showed well in the group stage. The only issue for him is that there are four spots in all likelihood. That fourth spot is starting to look more and more like Morris’

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