Eddie Pope (MetroStars), Brian McBride (Fulham FC) and Chris Armas (Chicago Fire) -- lend experience to a side that will take on Poland for the second time this season. The meeting in July will be the final friendly for the USA before the semifinal round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying.
"This roster is an excellent blend of youth and experience, which is the formula we think will help us be successful in World Cup qualifying," said Arena, who can earn his 50th win as manager of the U.S. men's national team with a victory against Poland. "The match against Poland is an excellent opportunity for these players, and will help me finalize my plans for the group that will compete in the next round of qualifying."
The game will be a homecoming of sorts for a few players as the national team plays in Chicago for the first time since 1993. While Beasley and Armas will be playing on the same field as they do for their club matches, former Fire favorites Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham FC) and Zach Thornton (out of contract after signing with Portugal's Benfica) return to the Windy City after leaving for Europe in the offseason.
The semifinal round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying begins on Aug. 18 in Jamaica. The six-game, round robin group continues with the U.S. at home on Sept. 4 in Foxborough, Mass., against El Salvador, and on the road on Sept. 8 in Panama. The four-team group concludes with a road game on Oct. 9/10 in El Salvador and then consecutive home games on Oct. 13 against Panama in Washington, D.C., and Nov. 17 in Columbus, Ohio against Jamaica.
USA (v Poland, July 11, Chicago)
GK (2): Tim Howard (Manchester United/ENG), Zach Thornton (out of contract)
DF (6): Chris Albright (Los Angeles Galaxy), Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham FC/ENG), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96/GER), Cory Gibbs (Dallas Burn), Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado Rapids), Eddie Pope (MetroStars)
MD(7): Chris Armas (Chicago Fire), DaMarcus Beasley (Chicago Fire), Bobby Convey (D.C. United), Landon Donovan (San Jose Earthquakes), Eddie Gaven (MetroStars), Brian Mullan (San Jose Earthquakes), Kerry Zavagnin (Kansas City Wizards)
FW (3): Brian Ching (San Jose Earthquakes), Brian McBride (Fulham FC/ENG), Josh Wolff (Kansas City Wizards)
Manager: Bruce Arena
This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
