Head coach Jurgen Klinsmann has named an experimental squad for the United States men's national team's friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo on Wednesday, in which it will hope to extend its record 11-game winning streak.
Clint Dempsey has been left out of a 23-man squad made up of Mexican- and European-based players -- save for two Seattle Sounders players.
Goalkeeper Cody Cropper, defender John Anthony Brookes and forwards Bobby Wood and Aron Johannsson will hope to make their debuts, although the latter reportedly hasn't been cleared by FIFA on his one-time switch from Iceland yet.
The likes of Michael Orozco Fiscal, Michael Parkhurst, Alejandro Bedoya, Joe Corona and Mix Diskerud enjoyed standout CONCACAF Gold Cup tournaments with the so-called B-team and have earned their way back into the A-team. Others hope to seize their chance to work their way back into the team from the fringe -- namely Tim Ream, Danny Williams and Terrence Boyd.
Ahead of next summer's World Cup, the exhibition against a strong opponent can be viewed as one of the final tryouts before Klinsmann begins finalizing his roster. With qualification for the big tournament all but assured and just four competitive games and less than a handful of friendly dates remaining, these final 10 months will be decisive for a slew of players clawing their way up the depth chart.
''Our European-based players are just getting started with their seasons and this gives them a chance to get going a couple weeks before our big World Cup qualifiers,'' Klinsmann said. ''We're also excited to bring some new faces into the senior team and have them start to become part of the group.''
Goalkeepers: Cody Cropper (Southampton), Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton).
Defenders: John Anthony Brooks (Hertha Berlin), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City), Edgar Castillo (Club Tijuana), Brad Evans (Seattle Sounders FC), Michael Orozco Fiscal (Puebla), Michael Parkhurst (Augsburg), Tim Ream (Bolton Wanderers).
Midfielders: Alejandro Bedoya (Nantes), Michael Bradley (Roma), Joe Corona (Club Tijuana), Mix Diskerud (Rosenborg), Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim), Jermaine Jones (Schalke), Sacha Kljestan (Anderlecht), Danny Williams (Reading)
Forwards: Jozy Altidore (Sunderland), Terrence Boyd (Rapid Vienna), Eddie Johnson (Seattle Sounders FC), Aron Johannsson (AZ Alkmaar), Bobby Wood (1860 Munich)
