DaMarcus Beasley, Joe Corona and Alan Gordon are now member of this summer’s USMNT Gold Cup squad, as head coach Jurgen Klinsmann looks to tidy up his squad a messy but successful group stage.
Gone are Jozy Altidore, Greg Garza and Alfredo Morales. Altidore “just wasn’t there yet”, according to Klinsmann.
Klinsmann is probably looking to push Fabian Johnson forward with the addition of Beasley, Houston’s dynamic left back who also can play as a winger. Beasley had been retired from international play for less than a year, and will look to build on his 121 caps and 17 goals.
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Morales has struggled mightily for the USMNT on several occasions, and Monday’s tie with Panama might’ve been his toughest outing yet. In adding Corona, Klinsmann snares a Gold Cup winner who’s scored twice in the tournament.
Garza leaves after being a last-minute replacement for Brad Davis. Gordon gives Klinsmann cover at forward, and the big 33-year-old striker has only one cap for the U.S. (in 2012 against Antigua & Barbuda, where he picked up an assist).
The Gordon move will confuse some, but the big add is Beasley. His experience and leadership is invaluable, and he can be a marked upgrade in certain situations.