Jürgen Klinsmann has included five players who ply their trade in Germany in the USA squad for the friendly against the World Champions on 10th June in Cologne (20:45 CEST). The 50-year-old has included Bundesliga players John Brooks (Hertha BSC), Timothy Chandler (Eintracht Frankfurt) and Fabian Johnson (Borussia Mönchengladbach) as well as recently promoted FC Ingolstadt’s Alfredo Morales and Bobby Wood from 2. Bundesliga side FC Erzgebirge Aue in his 22-man squad.
"We’ve found ourselves in a period of transition since the World Cup and that’s now coming to an end just before the Gold Cup," said Klinsmann. USA will attempt to defend their 2013 title in the tournament which will be held in the United States and Canada from 7th – 26th July. Klinsmann’s side will continue their preparations in a game against the Netherlands on the 5th June in Amsterdam.
"Playing against top sides like Germany and the Netherlands offers the chance to gain valuable experience, especially for the younger players," commented Klinsmann, who must manage without captain Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders) and Jozy Altidore (FC Toronto) for the clash. The two teams previously met in their final group stage game at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Germany triumphed 1-0 on that occasion, courtesy of Thomas Müller’s goal, but both countries still progressed to the knockout stage.
USA Squad
Goalkeepers: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake), William Yarbrough (Club Leon)
Defenders: Ventura Alvarado (Club America), John Brooks (Hertha Berlin), Timmy Chandler (Eintracht Frankfurt), Brad Evans (Seattle Sounders FC), Michael Orozco (Puebla), Brek Shea (Orlando City SC), DeAndre Yedlin (Tottenham Hotspur)
Midfielders: Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Michael Bradley (Toronto FC), Mix Diskerud (New York City FC), Miguel Ibarra (Minnesota United FC), Fabian Johnson (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Jermaine Jones (New England Revolution), Alfredo Morales (Ingolstadt), Danny Williams (Reading)
Forwards: Juan Agudelo (New England Revolution), Aron Johannsson (AZ Alkmaar), Bobby Wood (1860 München), Gyasi Zardes (LA Galaxy)
