It was ugly, the USA losing to Costa Rica 3-1, and some say the goals against the USA could have been much worse if Costa Rica did not let up.
Let’s face it, a team without a solid defense is pretty hopeless. USA fans will want to love their players, but some realism is needed: do we have a back 4 that is up to the task of playing World Cup soccer? I think it may be a stretch to believe the current back 4 can get us through qualifying let alone through the first round in South Africa.
Do you like our back four, or wish for the USA to try someone new? Who, if anyone would you add to the back line?
Here is a list of the top two dozen or so candidates to play in defense. Which would you play in a WCQ?
Or do you like some other defensive players better? There are about 90 USA defenders in the MLS who would love a shot.
Weigh in using the comments!
| Name | Position | League | Team |
| Onyewu, Oguchi | Defender | Belgium – Eerste Klasse | Standard Liege |
| Wynne, Marvell | Defender | Canada – MLS | Toronto FC |
| Fearrington, Jamil | Defender | Denmark – 1. Division | BK Frem |
| Califf, Danny | Defender | Denmark – Superligaen | FC Midtjylland |
| Parkhurst, Michael | Defender | Denmark – Superligaen | FC Nordsjælland |
| Simek, Frank | Defender | England – Championship | Sheffield Wednesday |
| DeMerit, Jay | Defender | England – Championship | Watford |
| Whitbread, Zak | Defender | England – League One | Millwall |
| Spector, Jonathan | Defender | England – Premiership | West Ham United |
| Bocanegra, Carlos | Defender | France – Ligue 1 | Rennes |
| Pearce, Heath | Def/Mid | Germany – 2 Bundesliga | Hansa Rostock |
| Cherundolo, Steve | Defender | Germany – Bundesliga | Hannover 96 |
| Arguez, Bryan | Def/Mid | Germany – Bundesliga | Hertha Berlin |
| Kazlauskas, Charles | Def/Fwd | Holland – Eerste Divisie | TOP Oss |
| Hort, Erik | Defender | Israel – Premier League | Maccabi Tel-Aviv |
| Orozco, Michael | Defender | Mexico – Primera Division | San Luis |
| Needham, Jay | Defender | Norway – 1. Division | Alta IF |
| Rodd, Chris | Defender | Norway – 1. Division | Bryne FK |
| Goodson, Clarence | Defender | Norway – Eliteserien | IK Start |
| Freeman, Hunter | Defender | Norway – Eliteserien | IK Start |
| Raybould, Ryan | Defender | Sweden – Allsvenskan | Gefle IF |
| Tabe, Etchu | Def/Fwd | Sweden – Superettan | Ljungskile SK |
| Brill, Sam | Defender | Sweden – Superettan | Ljungskile SK |
| Bornstein, Jonathan | Def/Mid | USA – MLS | CD Chivas |
| Mastroeni, Pablo | Def/Mid | USA – MLS | Colorado Rapids |
| Hejduk, Frankie | Def/Mid | USA – MLS | Columbus Crew |
| Marshall, Chad | Defender | USA – MLS | Columbus Crew |
Wheres Conrad from Kansas City? He is a top defender and would be a great fit on the US squad.
Interesting thought – should the US include a veteran like Jimmy Conrad (KC Wizards) in the squad? With 10 years as a pro behind him, Jimmy certainly has the mental game one would think. He has been part of some top MLS squads. Does he still have the legs at 32?
Jimmy Conrad was part of the San Jose Earthquakes MLS Cup winning squad in 2001 and his resume with the US National Team is impressive. Conrad came on as a substitute in the 2006 World Cup 1-1 draw against Italy; and in 2007 he captained the US team in one friendly and scored in another, earning man of the match. He has 24 caps, I believe.
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While I haven’t seen him up defend against the world’s best, I would wonder if Jason Hernandez (MLS – SJ Earthquakes) could be part of the back line solution. Not sure he is 100% match fit right now, but quite formidable for ~ 60 minutes.