I'm having trouble breathing as I begin this post. The anticipation that the World Cup is only a month away is killing me. I wish I could go to sleep tonight and wake up June 11.
To mark the one month countdown and to further tease me, the US has released their preliminary 30 man roster for the 2010 World Cup.
Much like what free agency has become for the NFL; this is the official start of the World Cup season.
US National team head coach Bob Bradley was given the unflattering task of selecting this year's group, with countless injuries to monitor.
The worst injuries coming in an October car crash that nearly killed promising striker Charlie Davies.
Davies fought valiantly to recover from two broken legs and brain bleeding, but time played a huge factor as the cup was just months away.
The race was on as Davies made a remarkable recovery, but sadly Davies was left off Bradley's preliminary roster.
The exclusion was not only a crushing blow for Davies, but also the US attack. His pace and finishing prowess took a lot of pressure off teammate Jozy Altidore.
As the US moves on, so shall we. Let's take a closer look at the roster:
Goalies: Tim Howard (Everton), Brad Guzan (Aston Villa) and Marcus Hahnemann (Wolves)
By far the easiest decision Bradley faced. Tim Howard has been impressive between the pipes for quite some time now and is considered as one of the top players on the team. Hahnemann should be a good challenge to Guzan for the second string, since Guzan hasn't seen much time backing up retired US keeper Brad Friedel at Aston Villa.
Defenders: Oguchi Onyewu (AC Milan), Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes), Jonathan Borstein (Chivas USA), Steve Cherundalo (Hanover), Jay DeMerit (Watford), Clarence Goodson (IK Start), Chad Marshall (Colombus), Heath Pearce (FC Dallas), Jonathan Spector (West Ham)
Biggest factor for the defense is the health and quality of play that Oguchi Onyewu will display. Onyewu is looking to make amends for a poor showing in 2006.
The rest is a crap shoot really. Bocanegra and Cherundalo give the team experience and poise. Spector and DeMerit played big roles in the Confederations cup. Look for Jonathan Bornstein to challenge for one of the starting spots.
Midfielders: Landon Donavon (Everton/LA Galaxy), DeMarcus Beasley (Rangers), Alejandro Bedoya (Orebrao), Michael Bradley (Mönchengladbach), Ricardo Clark (Eintracht), Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Benny Feilhaber (AGF), Stuart Holden (Bolton), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Robbie Rogers (Columbus), Jose Torres (Pachuca)
The midfield is packed with talent and experience. All-time leading US goal scorer Landon Donovan anchors the unit and brings experience, quickness and determination with him.
Michael Bradley will be doing a lot of the dirty work, while Stuart Holden should provide good speed on the flanks.
The guy to watch is Clint Dempsey (the lone goal scorer for the US in 2006), before his injury he was in top form with Fulham and he's had two "goal of the year" worthy goals this season.
Forwards: Jozy Altidore (Hull), Edson Buddle (USA), Brian Ching (Houston), Robbie Findley (Real Salt Lake), Herculez Gomez (Puebla), Eddie Johnson (Aris)
The most intriguing story of this group is the possible redemption song for Eddie Johnson.
Johnson was considered a rising talent during the last world cup, though he never found the pitch in the tournament. He was wildly inconsistent scoring few goals in the games following the 2006 world cup. Johnson was almost buried until he moved to Greek club Aris, where he recently scored three goals in the Greek League playoffs. Davies injuries let Johnson sneak in and now he is playing with house money. Can Johnson finally find his form and write the ultimate redemption story.
Herculez Gomez has found form in Mexican soccer leading the league in scoring, Brian Ching adds a ton of international caps, and Edson Buddle has been solid this season for the LA Galaxy.
Altidore is the key for the attack, and he will be taking on a lot of pressure playing without Davies. Is he ready for the spot light?
Notable exclusions: Freddy Adu, Charlie Davies, Connor Casey
As the beautiful game is inching closer to its climactic four year culmination, my duty is to prepare the reader as best as I can. That's it and that's all, only 30 days 10 hours and 25 minutes until Mexico v South Africa.
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