Friendly Rumors Abound

With the new year fast approaching, US Soccer is trying to lineup a few friendlies to prepare for next summer's World Cup and help Bob Bradley trim down the player pool to a final 23. As has been the case in recent years, US Soccer is trying to set up a January friendly at the Home Depot Center. The reported opponent? None other than fellow CONCACAF qualifier Honduras. Since the friendly would not take place on an international matchday, both squads would be comprised mainly of domestic and Scandinavian-based players. The match would give Bob Bradley a good opportunity to make some decisions regarding fringe players that have yet to stake a serious claim to a roster spot. MLS-based players like Sacha Kljestan who have fallen off the map a bit will get another opportunity to strut their stuff. With only one official matchday before Bob Bradley is required to name his final roster, there is little margin for error for those looking to get back into the picture for the World Cup.

In addition to a number of MLS players, Bradley might also take a look at Marcus Tracy, who finished off the first half of the Danish Superliga season with a fine run of form. The Wake Forest product has made an impact at striker for Aalborg, adding great athleticism and strength to their attack. With Charlie Davies' status still not completely clear in terms of the World Cup, Bradley would be wise to give another striker a look, particular one as physically gifted as Tracy. Though still young, Tracy has risen to the occasion in a few marquee games in his brief career. He turned in a magnificent performance against Manchester City in last year's UEFA Cup, and he scored the lone goal in Aalborg's 1-0 defeat of Danish giants FC Copenhagen just a few weeks ago.

There are also rumors that the US is close to setting up a friendly with Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland, who faced Slovenia in UEFA qualification and defeated them by a score of 1-0 in Belfast, have been fielding requests from a number of teams, but it has been reported that the US are the front-runners. It is being reported that the proposed friendly would take place in either March or May.