First-choice left backs Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim) and Edgar Castillo (Club Tijuana) are questionable for the USA's upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Costa Rica and Mexico.
Johnson's been suffering from a hip knock, and didn't play this weekend for Hoffenheim despite returning to training last week. Castillo suffered broken bones in his face at the beginning of March, but could return sooner than expected if he wears a protective mask. No matter how you look at it, neither are in prime shape for a pair of crucial matches for the Americans.
So who should the US and Jurgen Klinsmann turn to? Let us know in the comment section below and stay tuned for coverage of the US call-ups later this afternoon on MLSsoccer.com.
Time for The Big Debate.
<strong>The Debater</strong> |
<p class="rtecenter" style="">Simon Borg</p><img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/Borg_0.jpg" style="width: 50px; height: 50px;"> |
<p class="rtecenter" style="">Andrew Wiebe</p><img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/AndrewWiebe_1.jpg" style="width: 50px; height: 50px;"> |
<strong>The Argument</strong> |
Todd Dunivant deserves a chance |
DaMarcus Beasley is the answer |
<strong>The Defense</strong> |
While San Jose's <strong>Justin Morrow</strong> saw time in Klinsmann's January camp and is a future option, LA's <strong>Todd Dunivant</strong> is more ready to start these type of games. The combination of experience and quality — he's also quicker and delivers a better ball from out wide than <strong>Carlos Bocanegra</strong> — make him the safest go-to, emergency option. Morrow can back him up.<br> |
<p>Complex problem, simply answer: <strong>DaMarcus Beasley</strong>. No, he’s not a true left back by trade, but both <strong>Fabian Johnson</strong> and <strong>Edgar Castillo</strong> fit similar molds as hybrid defenders with a penchant for bombing forward. Beasley’s been in the CONCACAF trenches, too. He’s played in Azteca. Plus, he’s fit and playing regularly for Puebla – 90 minutes this weekend vs. Pachuca – something <strong>Carlos Bocanegra</strong> certainly can’t say right now.</p> |
Who do you agree with? Let us know in the comments below.
