US men's national team head coach Jurgen Klinsmann on Tuesday named the first 16 players to his initial roster for training camp ahead of the team's slate of games in late May and early June, and there were a few surprises.
The roster is mostly foreign-based, with MLS' only representatives coming in the form of Real Salt Lake's Nick Rimando and Kyle Beckerman (RSL have a bye this upcoming weekend.) However, Klinsmann will name up to 13 more players on Sunday, with club seasons in Europe and Mexico coming to a close.
Among the 16 initial names summoned are Tijuana midfielder Joe Corona and Hertha Berlin defender Alfredo Morales, both of whom suited up for the US Under-23s in the lead-up to Olympic qualifying (Corona was part of the tournament squad) and could be in line for their first caps, should they make the final cut. Making their returns to the USMNT set-up after long absences are 2010 World Cup veterans Brad Guzan and José Torres, as well as Tijuana defender Edgar Castillo.
The group will convene in Orlando, Fla., for training camp until May 25, at which time Klinsmann will select a final 23-man roster for friendlies against Scotland in Jacksonville, Fla. on May 26; Brazil in Landover, Md., on May 30; and Canada in Toronto on June 3.
Those matches are followed by the US' debut in 2014 World Cup qualifying vs. Antigua and Barbuda in Tampa, Fla., on June 8 and vs. Guatemala in Guatemala City on June 12.
Goalkeepers (3): Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)
Defenders (4): Carlos Bocanegra (Rangers), Edgar Castillo (Club Tijuana), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover), Alfredo Morales (Hertha Berlin)
Midfielders (8): Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Michael Bradley (Chievo Verona), Joe Corona (Club Tijuana), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim), Jermaine Jones (Schalke 04), Jose Torres (Pachuca), Danny Williams (Hoffenheim)
Forwards (1): Clint Dempsey (Fulham)
