With the United States claiming the CONCACAF Gold Cup victory with the contribution of experienced internationals, success in Copa America will fall on the shoulders of many young Major League Soccer players.
Chivas USA contributed a standout trio to the cause as goalkeeper Brad Guzan, defender Jonathan Bornstein and midfielder Sacha Kljestan are part of the USA's Copa America squad.
Surprisingly, Bornstein is the senior member of the group. With eight caps and one goal, Bornstein has played a key role in the U.S. success under former Chivas USA coach Bob Bradley.
Guzan and Kljestan could also get opportunities, but each has strong players ahead of him in the depth chart. Guzan is joined by venerable veteran Kasey Keller in goal while Benny Feilhaber and Ricardo Clark are seemingly firmly entrenched in the midfield.
Nevertheless, the players are awaiting Thursday's Copa America opener with Argentina with eager anticipation.
"We beat Argentina twice when we played in the U-20, and they won the whole thing," said Kljestan, a veteran of the U.S. under-20 national team. "Who knows how we match up against them now, but I'm really excited to get down there, and that first game against Argentina I'm sure is going to be really exciting."
Kljestan was a part of several United States national team camps earlier this year. He was a member of the first camp this year - and the first in Bradley's tenure - but did not dress for either the U.S.-Denmark match at The Home Depot Center or the U.S.-Mexico game at University of Phoenix Stadium.
He was also part of an under-23 national team camp in February, and was brought in to the senior team for a match against China. Kljestan started the match and assisted on a Feilhaber goal.
Now, though, the eyes of the Western Hemisphere will be on the U.S.
"Everybody will be watching in the whole continent, a lot of eyes will be on the game," Kljestan said. "It will be very exciting just to be out there with the rest of the South American world-class players."
Like Kljestan, Guzan has played just once for the U.S. national team. But Guzan said he would go about his business like he does with Chivas USA. Keller appears to be the first choice but Guzan may see some playing time this tournament.
"If that's the case, I'd be more than happy to step in and get some games," Guzan said. "That would be a great opportunity."
For his part, Keller said Guzan has the tools to become a successful goalkeeper and playing in Copa America might be the ideal place for the youngster to get his feet wet with the U.S.
"It's easier when you're under pressure all the time because you don't have much to think about," Keller said. "It gets a little bit more difficult when you are playing in games where you maybe only have to make a save once a half; but how do you keep yourself in the game and concentrated so you're ready to make that save? I think in Copa America, that won't be a problem."
A veteran of three World Cups, Keller could move on from the national team at some point during this current World Cup cycle. If that happens, Guzan has a chance to step in as the No. 2 goalkeeper behind Tim Howard.
"Brad's got a great chance, no question. What I would like to see is him really dominate for a year or two and make it quite clear that he's the best goalkeeper in MLS and see where it goes from there," Keller said. "He's got the ability. Three's no doubt about it but there have been a lot of pro athletes around the world who had the ability. At some stage it goes from potential to 'all right, kid, let's see the numbers and let's be sure you're doing it day in and day out.'"
Luis Bueno is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
