Top 10

What up Outlaws? Let me start by saying this is an exciting time to be a U.S. Soccer fan. Between Olympic qualifying next week, alluring spring friendlies, and summer World Cup qualifying, we have plenty to look forward to. This is my first blog so I’ll keep it basic. This is simply a list of my top 10 active Americans. Leave some comments and let me know what you think and what you’d like to see in future blogs. Peace!

1. Tim Howard
-Clear number 1 keeper for a country known for producing world class keepers. Consistently produces for both club and country. Hasn’t reached Brad Friedel status yet but anytime he’s in goal the yanks have a chance.

2. Landon Donovan
-Takes a lot of heat for staying in MLS, but when he is missing from the national team line-up the attacking sorely lacks (see Switzerland and South Africa friendlies).

3. Clint Dempsey
-Just exudes confidence; doesn’t hesitate to go at defenders and seems to have developed a much better feel for the game. Could improve on his finishing.

4. Steve Cherundolo
-Easily the United States best and most consistent defender. Great attacking option making overlapping runs. What he lacks in height he makes up for in technical skill and savvy.

5. DaMarcus Beasley
-Provides plenty of pace on the left wing and is always solid on defense. Could have really used him against Mexico. Here’s to hoping he makes a full and speedy recovery.

6. Carlos Bocanegra
-Has been very solid since his shaky World Cup performance (granted he was playing out of position). Great on free kick situations and one of the team leaders.

7. Oguchi Onyewu
-Gooch also had a rough World Cup and some of that carried over to 2007 in the Gold Cup. His most recent performances have been much better though and he and Bocanegra seem to have the two center-back spots on lock.

8. Michael Bradley
-Wouldn’t mind seeing the Heerenveen version make an appearance for the Nats but Bob Bradley may not allow for that. A potentially great defensive mid though who will only continue to get better with more experience and by cutting down on the bad fouls.

9. Jozy Altidore
-Probably the best young prospect the U.S. has to offer. Reportedly turned down an offer from Real Madrid and nearly made a January switch to Reading. Has a great chance to prove himself in Olympic qualifying and the upcoming spring friendlies. I’d look for him to make a switch in the summer transfer window.

10. Freddy Adu
-After doing some serious work in the u-20 World Cup and transferring to Benfica, Freddy has quieted down a bit. The Olympic qualifying comes at a good time for him to again make a name for himself and hopefully finish the season strong at Benfica.

Honorable mention: Eddie Johnson, Brian Ching, Benny Feilhaber, Brad Guzan

--Outlaw Veteran