After an unforgettable win in ankle-deep snow against Costa Rica and a historic draw in Mexico, the U.S. Soccer Men’s National Team will be looking to add to their recent successes with two friendlies and three crucial World Cup Qualifying ties, starting on May 29. On Thursday, Coach Jurgen Klinsmann named his roster for the upcoming camp to prepare for these matches.

While overall a strong and capable roster, its most notable omission is Landon Donovan. While Klinsmann has been known for taking risks with his roster in the past (cutting Jozy Altidore, omitting longtime captain Carlos Bocanegra), his results thus far have shaken off the critics. U.S. fans will hope his successful tactics continue without a playmaker in Donovan.

GOALKEEPERS (6): Brad Guzan (Aston Villa/England), Tally Hall (Houston Dynamo), Bill Hamid (D.C. United), Tim Howard (Everton/England), Sean Johnson (Chicago Fire), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)

With lots of nervy questions being asked heading into the last two qualifying matches about the man in the back after US’s favorite Tim Howard was forced to miss out with a broken back, Brad Guzan answered them with flying colors with two well-earned shutouts. While he was named Aston Villa’s player of the year for his efforts in thwarting what was likely to be relegation for his underperforming club, Guzan will likely remain as the trusted backup to Tim Howard. Klinsmann says he will rotate the MLS goalkeepers throughout the friendlies.

DEFENDERS (8): DaMarcus Beasley (Puebla/Mexico), Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City/England), Edgar Castillo (Club Tijuana/Mexico), Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy), Clarence Goodson (Brondby/Denmark), Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim/Germany), Michael Parkhurst (Augsburg/Germany)

At last, save for the omission of hardened veteran Carlos Bocanegra, the USMNT will be heading into a World Cup Qualifying game with one of its strongest defensive rosters in recent memory. The squad has many great and consistent options in the backline with Omar Gonzales, Geoff Cameron, Matt Besler and Clarence Goodson. With Fabian Johnson back in the mix, the depth in the U.S.’s fullbacks is strong and experienced with an improving Edgar Castillo, Michael Parkhurst, and veteran DaMarcus Beasley, who will be looking to make his 100th cap for the Yanks. Notable exceptions include Timothy Chandler and Steve Cherundolo, who is still recovering from injury.

MIDFIELDERS (10): Michael Bradley (Roma/Italy), Joe Corona (Club Tijuana/Mexico), Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo), Maurice Edu (Bursaspor/Turkey), Stuart Holden (Bolton/England), Jermaine Jones (Schalke/Germany), Sacha Kljestan (Anderlecht/Belgium), Brek Shea (Stoke City/England), Danny Williams (Hoffenheim/Germany), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City)

While for the most part a capable and experienced midfield, the persistent problem of a lack of a true wide player remains. Centrally, the U.S. will be fine with the always-consistent Michael Bradley and experience of Jermaine Jones. USMNT fans will also be happy to see that Stuart Holden, who was out for almost a year with injury, has successfully earned his spot back in the first team picture. 

However, throughout the qualifiers and much of the matches in the past, the US has struggled to perform without a true wide player. The team had to do without first-team regular Landon Donovan, who was unavailable due to a self-imposed sabbatical. Though he still isn’t the same Landon Donovan that led the LA Galaxy to an MLS championship repeat last season, he has still managed to come back to the field and immediately produce for his club side, scoring twice and assisting thrice in a span of five games. His performances haven’t been convincing enough for Klinsmann, but it shows that Donovan is still capable of valued production and can contribute to a squad that has been consistently lacking his play-making abilities, and should warrant him a call up for the Gold Cup. Graham Zusi has been touted by many for filling in the big shoes, and while he has put in excellent performances for the Stars & Stripes, he just hasn’t hit that value of production that Donovan has provided for so many years. Compared to Brad Davis, Brek Shea, and Joe Corona, players that can all play the same position, none have been able to make a difference as much as Donovan could or can, and questions will be asked if the Yanks fail to earn crucial points in the upcoming qualifiers. 

FORWARDS (5): Jozy Altidore (AZ Alkmaar/Netherlands), Terrence Boyd (Rapid Vienna/Austria), Clint Dempsey (Tottenham Hotspur/England), Herculez Gomez (Santos Laguna/Mexico), Eddie Johnson (Seattle Sounders FC)

For the first time in a long time, the US now has a consistent and reliable frontline that is very much capable of scoring many goals. Jozy Altidore will likely be a regular starter, and will look to score his first goal for the US in this round of qualifying after breaking the record for most goals scored by an American abroad with 31 for his Dutch club, AZ Alkmaar. Clint Dempsey will always be counted upon for his consistent ability for being in the right place at the right time, along with a hard-working supporting cast in Terrence Boyd, Heculez Gomez and Eddie Johnson. There is no reason why one of these players should not come out of the upcoming three games of qualifiers without a goal or two.