USMNT squad named for upcoming friendlies; Costa Rica & Belgium

New US coach Jurgen Klinsmann has named the squad for the upcoming friendly matches vs. Costa Rica and Belgium.  The Costa Rica showdown is set for September 2nd at the Home Depot Center.  Coverage of the match will be on ESPN2, ESPN3.com, and Galavision at 10PM CST.  The US will follow that up on Sept. 6th with Belgium at King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels.  The action can be seen on ESPN and ESPN3.com at 1:30 PM CST.  Follow me after the break for the roster.

GOALKEEPERS (2): Bill Hamid (D.C.United), Tim Howard (Everton)
DEFENDERS (9): Carlos Bocanegra (Rangers), Edgar Castillo (Club America), Timmy Chandler (FC Nürnberg), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover), Clarence Goodson (Brondby), Zach Loyd (FC Dallas), Michael
Orozco Fiscal (San Luis), Heath Pearce (Chivas USA), Tim Ream (New York Red Bulls)
MIDFIELDERS (9): Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim), Sacha Kljestan (Anderlecht), Jeff Larentowicz (Colorado Rapids), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew), Brek Shea (FC Dallas), Jose Torres (Pachuca)
FORWARDS (4): Juan Agudelo (New York Red Bulls), Jozy Altidore (AZ Alkmaar), Teal Bunbury (Sporting Kansas City), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy)

The lineup doesn't really have a whole lot of surprises, other than the fact that it is missing Michael Bradley and Jermaine Jones.  Jurgen has said that he held off on calling them up because they could be moving to different clubs with just under a week to go until the transfer window closes, so he would like them to be able to focus on that.  He also mentioned Ricardo Clark for this reason as well, but I think it's better if he isn't on the team anyway.

Jurgen must see something in Bill Hamid, as he has received his second straight call up.  I can only hope our very own Sean Johnson gets a look again soon.  He is certainly playing well in the MLS right now.  I am looking forward to seeing Chandler play again.  Not sure what Jurgen sees in Fiscal, as he received another call up as well.  He did not look too good against Mexico.  I am intrigued to get a look at Fabian Johnson, I have heard some good things about him but want to see what he has with my own eyes.

For the first time here at HTIOT, I will be hosting a game thread for a USMNT game.  The Fire threads have been fun as of late, courtesy of Ruben Tisch who always has good insight and a witty comment or two.  Join us if you can as the US continues to try to mold itself to a new coach and system.