It’s unrealistic to believe the U.S. men’s national team will change overnight under new coach Jurgen Klinsmann. But here’s what and who to watch for in Wednesday’s Gold Cup final rematch against Mexico:
5. A different set of starters » Due to injuries (Clarence Goodson) and players not called (Eric Lichaj, Alejandro Bedoya), Klinsmann won’t field the same first 11 that Bob Bradley used in the Gold Cup final. But Klinsmann might have no choice but to stick with Bradley’s 4-2-3-1 formation.
4. A Latino infusion » Klinsmann’s first roster includes three players with Mexican heritage who’d gone missing under Bradley. How much he uses Edgar Castillo, Michael Orozco Fiscal and Jose Torres could be a sign of current and future influence from south of the border.
3. How to feature Freddy » Despite his resurgence during the Gold Cup, Freddy Adu remains in search of a club. After a summer working out in D.C., Wednesday is a chance to prove he hasn’t lost his form.
2. Breaking in Brek » Versatile 21-year-old Brek Shea has played everywhere but goalkeeper for FC Dallas, scoring nine goals. Tall (6-foot-3), creative and unconventional — and owning just two U.S. appearances — he’s the type of attacking player Klinsmann needs to nurture and groom.
1. Goals coming from … » Landon Donovan. He’s the all-time U.S. leader in goals (46) and the focus of the U.S. offense, especially with no Clint Dempsey available. Donovan is excited about the coaching change — how he leads and plays will show it.
