Ahead of the U.S. Men's National Team 2018 World Cup qualifying match against St Vincent and The Grenadines, SportingKC.com caught up with beIN Sports play-by-play announcer and sports anchor Phil Schoen to preview the match. Live coverage of the match starts at 2:25 p.m CT on beIN Sports, online at beIN SPORTS CONNECT, and at No Other Pub (Power & Light District).
What impact or role could Matt Besler and/or Graham Zusi have in this match?
If the national team was at full strength, they would almost certainly start from the bench. And while Graham Zusi has been a go-to substitute for Jurgen Klinsmann this year, with all of the injuries and suspensions both Besler and Zusi could start. Besler has been given a shot at left back before, and if Klinsmann elects to keep Fabian Johnson up at wing, he could start there again. And with Bradley, Jones and Dempsey all out, Zusi has a shot to start as well.
With Clint Dempsey and Zardes unavailable, what players could step up to fill the void for the USMNT?
Jozy Altidore is healthy and scoring again, and he will likely get the start. Bobby Wood got off to a great start with Hamburg and that might mean a switch to more of a 4-4-2 formation. And with many of the other attacking options like Christian Pulisic and Rubio Rubin just starting their seasons in Europe, that's another reason Zusi might get the start. That could mean opportunities for Paul Arriola, and Jordan Morris as well.
What challenges will the USMNT face in this match (travel, pitch conditions, et etc)?
It's a long trip and that could sap some energy from the US players. They had to fly from Jacksonville to Barbados and then jump across to St. Vincent. The weather should be hot and muggy, but that's why Klinsmann had them training in Florida. It could rain though, and playing on a converted cricket pitch, that could make the pitch slick and a bit choppy and that could lead to mistakes and give St. Vincent a shot. However, it's not the first time that the US players have faced similar circumstances. It's part of the joy of CONCACAF.
Any predictions/expectations for the match?
I don't like to make predictions normally, as I'm just hoping for a great match for the fans. However, with St. Vincent already eliminated, this is a match the US should win easily - if they're patient enough to wait for the chances to open up. And if they can get a decent lead, it would be a great opportunity for Klinsmann to give some of the younger players a taste of qualifying action.
How has the competition and depth of the CONCACAF region evolved during the last several World Cup qualifying cycles?
That's a great question. There is no doubt that the region is a lot stronger and Major League Soccer is a big reason why. For many players from the Caribbean and Central America, it has meant new opportunities, as a goal in itself or as a stepping stone to Europe, Mexico or South America. It has also meant more playing time and options for Canadian players. While Mexico and the United States are still favorites to advance out of the hex, it will be more of a challenge. And the day is coming that one of them could find themselves on the outside looking in.
