Where » Rentschler Field, East Hartford, Conn.
When » Tuesday, 8 p.m.
TV » ESPN
Although the U.S. men’s national team will play twice before it departs for South Africa, Tuesday’s match vs. Czech Republic will be the last chance for players on the bubble to make a claim for a place among the final 23-man roster. Here are five players who need to perform in Hartford to solidify their place:
Clarence Goodson, D » With a lengthy injury list along the U.S. back line, the Northern Virginia native and former Maryland Terrapin might do more than simply find himself on the final roster. He could end up seeing a surprising number of minutes in South Africa.
Herculez Gomez, F » A newly inked contract with Pachuca is proof that the Mexican first division doesn’t think the 28-year-old’s recent scoring form is a fluke. The problem is, there’s plenty of competition.
DaMarcus Beasley, M » The diminutive Beasley’s experience and familiarity to U.S. head coach Bob Bradley should trump the inconsistent form he showed much of last year. He could be headed to Major League Soccer right away if he fails to impress.
Brian Ching, F » Has the Houston Dynamo veteran fully recovered from a hamstring injury suffered in MLS? Ching is a favorite of Bradley, but there is still doubt he can perform at a World Cup level.
Alejandro Bedoya, M » The 23-year-old has played just twice for the U.S. men, yet his consistent form in Sweden, and a solid showing on the wing on Tuesday, could be enough to earn an inclusion — which could come at the expense of Sacha Kljestan.
