With the CONCACAF Cup just a month away, the US national team enter a crucial September window ready to take on two South American squads.
Up first is Peru, who enter their match against the US on a high. Their last match came at Copa America, when they made a surprising run all the way to third place, their best result in the daunting tournament since 1983.
The two teams will meet Friday night (7 pm ET; FOX Sports 1/UniMás/UDN) at what should-be a packed RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C.
WHO IS NO. 1?: According to Jurgen Klinsmann there is no competition for the No. 1 goalkeeper job. It is Brad Guzan's. But with Tim Howard returning to USMNT, many fans will be clamoring for the "Secretary of Defense" to return to his spot in between the two pipes. Can Guzan perform well enough to hold off Howard? Or will the USMNT legend get his spot back before the CONCACAF Cup?
FULLBACK WOES: The US enter their matches against Peru and Brazil without the services of at least one top fullback, at least according to the head coach. Fabian Johnson will likely miss these two friendlies; however DaMarcus Beasley may be back in service if he's healthy in time.
With Timmy Chandler also out injured, the battle for the left and right back spots is wide open. At right back it appears Geoff Cameron, who is now playing center back at Stoke City, and Michael Orozco are the two main combatants, while Greg Garza, Tim Ream and Jonathan Spector are the competitors for the left back spot. Can any of these players emerge and claim a permanent spot along the backline?
LOS INCAS MOMENTUM: Flying high after standout performances from Paolo Guerrero, who scored a tournament-high four goals, Peru nabbed third place at Copa America in Chile this summer. They will look to ride that momentum into World Cup qualifying, which they will begin Oct. 4 when they travel to Colombia. A win here, and one against Colombia at Red Bull Arena on Sept. 8, could ensure the team's confidence heading into their grueling qualifying campaign.
