Quest For Gold: Qualification Roster

With only 20 spots available for coach Caleb Porter to select from, he must make sure ever choice is a good one for a string of games with little turnover from game to game.  This also means that players with versatility are very important to such a squad.  Here is Caleb Porter’s selections:

GK: Bill Hamid. Sean Johnson

Def: Perry Kitchen, Ike Opara, Zarek Valentin, Kofi Sarkodie, Jorge Villafana, Sheannon Williams

Mid: Freddy Adu, Joe Corona, Mix Diskerud, Michael Stephens, Amobi Okugo, Jared Jeffery

Fwd: Terrance Boyd, Brek Shea, Juan Agudelo, Joe Gyau, Teal Bunbury, Tony Taylor

With a squad that is filled with first team experience for each respective club as well as extremely high potential, stakes are high going into tomorrows opening game against Cuba as well as throughout the rest of qualification.  

RM

MLS Update: Philadelphia Union

Last Season Finish: 8th 

Points: 48

Record: 11-8-15

Top Scorer: Sebastien Le Toux (12)

In: Chandler Hoffman, Chris Albright

Out: Stefani Miglioranzi, Justin Mapp, Faryd Mondragon, Sebastien Le Toux, Kyle Nakazawa

Looking to build on their less than exciting first season in the MLS, the Union “dooped” their way 6 spots up the table in 2011.  The Union’s depth in attacking power is nothing to doubt.  Even with the losses of winger Justin Mapp and leading scorer Sebastien Le Toux their attack still will be one of the more exciting teams in the final third this season.  Freddy Adu, Danny Mwanga, Roger Torres, Jack McInerney, and first round draft pick Chandler Hoffman will have to step up and cover for the goals department which I think they will have no problem doing, it just depends on who it is.  I think this is a great year for Mwanga to step his goal total up and become a top 5 goal scorer in the league.  Jack McInerney should also be set for a break-out year.  Scoring 6 goals in 35 regular season appearances, he could prove to be a real threat for Philly.  He is an all around striker that scores goals in every way.  Hes quick, has great tactical awareness, and fantastic finishing abilities, but do not be surprised if he uncorks one from range too.  I do not believe that the loss of Mondragon will be a problem.  He was a great keeper and a great leader, but Zak MacMath is another quality keeper and will be great building for the future of the club.  Overall i expect them to be the Sporting Kansas City of this year, the surprise first place finisher and advance much further in the playoffs and possibly make a finals appearance.

RM