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Clarence Goodson and Chris Wondolowski have both been called up for the upcoming tune up game against Mexico. This is, perhaps, their final and most crucial chance to impress Klinsmann in the 2014 FIFA World Cup tune-up; it’s the final match before convening for World Cup camp in May. "Everyone knows the clock is ticking," said Klinsmann. "This is a huge opportunity for our players to show where they are at and to make their case. We expect them to give a really strong performance against a Mexican team that is now basically coming back on track. They need to prove now that they badly want to go to Brazil."
Of the pair, Goodson, 31, is probably considered more likely for inclusion for Brazil. He’s a regular starter with 45 caps with the USMNT and nine starts for an Earthquakes backline that yielded just two goals during the final two months of the MLS season.
Wondolowski, 31, is more of an on-the-bubble player, with competition for final World Cup roster spots from several forwards, including the recently converted Julian Green, who recently repatriated to the USA. Currently, Wondo has eight goals in 18 USMNT caps, and he’ll be looking for a good performance in camp and to continue scoring in MLS in order to stake his claim for a Brazilian air ticket.
Both players participated in USMNT’s 2-0 victory over South Korea in Carson in February, 2014, in which Wondo scored both American goals. The Earthquakes will have both players available for the club’s match against the New England Revolution on Saturday, March 29 (7:30 p.m. PT / CSNCA) before departing for camp the following day.
U.S. ROSTER BY POSITION
Goalkeepers (3): Bill Hamid (D.C. United), Sean Johnson (Chicago Fire), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake).
Defenders (8): DaMarcus Beasley (Puebla), Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), Brad Evans (Seattle Sounders FC), Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy), Clarence Goodson (San Jose Earthquakes), Michael Orozco (Puebla), Michael Parkhurst (Columbus Crew), DeAndre Yedlin (Seattle Sounders FC).
Midfielders (7): Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Michael Bradley (Toronto FC), Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo), Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy), Maurice Edu (Philadelphia Union), Luis Gil (Real Salt Lake), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City).
Forwards (4): Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders FC), Julian Green (Bayern Munich), Eddie Johnson (D.C. United), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes).