Bradley announces roster vs. Brazil
Full 19-man squad reflects recent need for victories
"The schedule this year has included some great challenges, and playing against Brazil is another outstanding opportunity for this group," said Bradley. "We have a good mix of players in camp, and are excited about the chance to play against one of the best teams in the world. It's great to be back in Chicago for a match of this caliber. It should be an exciting afternoon."
Bradley, whose charges are 10-4-1 in 2007, returns to Chicago's Soldier Field, site of the 2007 Gold Cup final that the U.S. won in a thriller against Mexico. This team features 13 holdovers from that group, including Los Angeles Galaxy forward Landon Donovan -- who led the U.S. with four goals in the Gold Cup, and who has nine goals in 11 games this year. Donovan's 34 career international goals is just one tally from the most all-time for a U.S. national team player.
Of the 19 players on the U.S. roster, 14 play professionally overseas. English Premier League side Fulham FC provides a pair of U.S. stars in Clint Dempsey and Carlos Bocanegra; Dempsey's first senior team goal came at Soldier Field, back in 2005 against England. Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard has 10 shutouts in 23 career national team games.
Josh Wolff, who now suits up for 1860 Munich in Germany, should see his first national team action since the 2006 World Cup. He, DaMarcus Beasley (Glasgow Rangers) and Bocanegra all at one point in time played for the Chicago Fire in MLS.
Among MLS players joining Bradley's crew are K.C. Wizards attackers Davy Arnaud and Eddie Johnson. An appearance by Arnaud would be his first international cap, as would one from Chris Seitz, 20-year-old 'keeper for Real Salt Lake.
For its part, Brazil will also give head coach Dunga options, fielding their own full strength side. Among the stars in yellow will be midfielders Ronaldinho (Barcelona) and Kaká (A.C. Milan), as well as Real Madrid's Robinho.
This matchup, dubbed the "Clash of Champions," opposes the champions of CONCACAF and the champions of CONMEBOL. Brazil bested Argentina in July in the Copa America final.
U.S. ROSTER BY POSITION
Goalkeepers (2): Tim Howard (Everton FC), Chris Seitz (Real Salt Lake)
Defenders (7): Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham FC), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96), Jay DeMerit (Watford FC), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard de Liege), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock), Frank Simek (Sheffield Wednesday), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United)
Midfielders (6): DaMarcus Beasley (Glasgow Rangers), Michael Bradley (SC Heerenveen), Bobby Convey (Reading FC), Clint Dempsey (Fulham FC), Benny Feilhaber (Derby County), Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado Rapids)
Forwards (4): Davy Arnaud (Kansas City Wizards), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy), Eddie Johnson (Kansas City Wizards), Josh Wolff (1860 Munich)
BRAZIL ROSTER
Goalkeepers (2): Doni (Roma), Julio Cesar (Inter Milan)
Defenders (8): Maicon (Inter Milan), Daniel Alves (Sevilla), Alex Silva (São Paulo), Lúcio (Bayern Munich), Juan (Roma), Alex (Chelsea), Kleber (Santos), Gilberto (Hertha Berlin),
Midfielders (8): Gilberto Silva (Arsenal), Mineiro (Hertha Berlin), Josué (VfL Wolfsburg), Fernando (Bordeaux), Elano (Manchester City), Kaká (AC Milan), Julio Baptista (Real Madrid), Diego (Werder Bremen)
Forwards (4): Ronaldinho (Barcelona), Robinho (Real Madrid), Vagner Love (CSKA Moscow), Afonso (SC Heerenveen)
