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The roster for what is often known as camp cupcake was released yesterday. Jurgen Klinsmann named a 23-player USMNT roster comprised mainly of MLS players as expected. This camp has a lot more variables than any other January camp in recent memory.
Some veteran players complained about the length of the camp, so Klinsmann knocked a week off of it. However, many of those players, such as Clint Dempsey, were left off the roster, but it is unclear if Klinsmann is trying to send a message.
The under-23 team has a playoff coming up to determine whether or not they make the 2016 Summer Olympics, so several players eligible for that team have been brought in for training. That takes spots away from players who can make the full national team this year, so there is less focus on discovery for the senior team this camp.
The roster put together ensures that people will be played out of position. For instance, Kellyn Acosta is listed as a defender when he played defensive midfield for the majority of 2015 with FC Dallas. Of course, naming only five true defenders is definitely a Klinsmann move.
Even with all of the variables, there are still snubs. This is generally an opportunity for at least one player to make the leap to the senior national team, and these five guys were among the top snubs in many eyes.
5. Kelyn Rowe
Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY SportsThe amount of central midfield players already on the roster limits Rowe's chances. He was able to have an impact as a sub many times during the 2015 MLS season with the New England Revolution and also started over 20 matches. Rowe won player of the week early in the season and matured on and off the field. He scored seven goals on 24 shots in 2015, while also adding six assists.
4. Benny Feilhaber
Denny Medley - USATODAY SportsLast year was Feilhaber's fifth season in MLS in what was a career year. He finished with 10 goals and 15 assists, and that assist total was tied for second-best in the league. Feilhaber started 30 games for Sporting KC for the second year in a row. He turns 31 years old this month, so Feilhaber's time with the national team may be over.
3. Ethan Horvath
Official MLS Twitter AccountHorvath plays in Europe, but Molde and other Norwegian clubs have released players for January camps in the past. He played well in the Europa League which propelled him to the top of the under-23 goalkeeper list.
2. Sebastian Lletget
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY SportsLletget can play out wide, which cannot be said for many on the current roster. In 20 games with the LA Galaxy in 2015, Lletget scored seven goals and added two assists. He was able to run at opponents and became a welcome addition to the LA lineup.
1. Matt Hedges
Hedges captained one of the best teams in MLS in 2015, and some will argue he was the best central defender in the league. He is a smart player who was the backbone of the Dallas defense in the playoffs with several great last-minute tackles. Klinsmann needs more options at center back, and Hedges could have been the player who graduated to the senior team from this camp.
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