In researching this post, I noticed that Wood, Zardes, and Arriola are the only USMNT players with double-digit goals who haven't been to a World Cup. Otherwise, I think he would have been on the plane to Russia. Wood was another player who makes this team because of Couva. Wood appeared 45 times for the USMNT, often leading the line with or in place of an injured Jozy Altidore between 20. ST: Bobby Wood - Still active with the New England Revolution. Although Zardes earned his reputation for weak technique, he was a loyal servant to the program and generally upstanding dude who's tied for 15th on our all-time goals list. ST: Gyasi Zardes - The third active player on the list, I'm comfortable saying Gyasi won't ever make it at this point. Still, Paul was and is a warrior who would run for days and made systems around him work even when he wasn't the best player on the field (i.e. RM: Paul Arriola - Our second active player on this team, now at FC Dallas, Pauly Nips has played 50 games for the USMNT, but missed his best chance at a World Cup in 2022. Was one of the last cuts for the 1994 World Cup. Before that, he played in the NASL and in indoor soccer. Born in Northern Ireland, he made 48 appearances between 19. LM: Brian Quinn - Part of the USMNT renaissance in the early 90s. I remember he and Pulisic had some fun chemistry. Kljestan was a late cut for the 2010 World Cup and in my opinion, would have made the roster in 2018 if not for the disaster in Couva. Played in the Champions League for Anderlecht and is one of the most productive attacking midfielders in MLS history, especially for the New York Red Bulls. By 2006, he was named as a standby player but did not make the final roster.ĬM: Sacha Kljestan - Earned 52 caps between 20. Although he played 66 games (most on this team) for the USMNT, his timing was unfortunate, breaking out just after the 1998 World Cup and getting hurt just before 2002. German international Andreas Moller once said that, 'No man with children should have to play against him.' He was also one of our first dual-national recruiting victories, filing a one-time switch after playing friendlies for the Puerto Rico national team. Back in the late 1990s and early 2000s, he was a hard-nosed enforcer for the Chicago Fire. It's possible he makes the roster in 2026, but even if he doesn't the only plausible alternative is Boris Bandov, who played 5 more games in a worse era for the program and I can't even confirm what position he played beyond 'defender'.ĭM: Chris Armas - Now an assistant coach notable for finding his way into jobs that seem to be above his level. Played in MLS, Portugal, and now the Championship. RB: Reggie Cannon - Currently at Queen's Park Rangers, Reggie is the first active player to make my list (though Miles Robinson has an argument over either CB, I deferred to the old school picks as having more caps and being less familiar to modern fans). who also had a brief stint in Europe with Bastia before returning to MLS. Was an injury replacement for Chris Armas in the lead to the 2002 World Cup but was himself injured a few days later, clearing the way for Steve Cherundolo. I don't have any insight into his playing career, but that many caps elevates him above his rivals.ĬB: Greg Vanney - Current LA Galaxy Head Coach. Was in the pool for the 1994 World Cup but wasn't selected. This is the closest I can get.ĬB: Dominic Kinnear - Better known today as an MLS Head Coach. Historically, the US has not had enough good left backs to leave any of them behind for World Cups. Converted to left back after returning to MLS. He was mostly a winger, especially in his national team days, when he parlayed strong play for FC Dallas into a move to Stoke City that went poorly. Meme played 34 games for the USMNT in the first half of the 2010s. No reference for his skill as a player, but he has the most caps among eligible players at the position. GK: Arnie Mausser - Played 35 games in the late 70s and early 80s, just a little too early for the beginning of the team's renaissance in the late 80s and early 90s. I want to hear what you think is the all-time best lineup we could field of guys that never made a World Cup roster? The following is my suggestion.

I'm a sucker for gimmick USMNT lineups and rosters with arbitrary restrictions.

2002 atlanta hawks roster