Head Coach Bob Bradley named the roster for the Qualifying game against Mexico on Wednesday. Unfortunately Jack Jewsbury is in Florida now training with the KC Wizards following his six weeks with the Nationals.

Eighteen of the 20 players on the roster participated in the first two rounds of World Cup qualifying last year. Bradley has called on a dozen players from foreign-based clubs, led by team captain Carlos Bocanegra and 2008 U.S. Soccer Male Athlete of the Year Tim Howard, who is unbeaten in four matches against Mexico and has posted an impressive five shutouts in five all-time World Cup qualifying appearances. Clint Dempsey finished 2008 tied for the team lead in goal scored (4), with all of his strikes coming in World Cup qualifying action. DaMarcus Beasley is one of four players on the roster who started in the last World Cup qualifier against Mexico, scoring the insurance goal in the 2-0 win on Sept. 3, 2005, in Columbus. Oguchi Onyewu, who set up Steve Ralston for the game-winner that day, scored a career-high three goals for the U.S. in 2008, including a header against Mexico in the 2-2 draw in Houston. Michael Bradley, who scored the game-winning goal in the 3-0 semifinal round qualifying win against Trinidad & Tobago, tied with Heath Pearce for the most appearances for the team in 2008, each starting in 11 of 14 matches. José Francisco Torres – who plays in the Mexican Primera División – is the only player on the roster who is not based in Europe or the United States.

More importantly, we need to find a new place to watch the game on Wednesday. I’m sorry to say that Coester’s is closed, some say temporarily, only time will tell. I’m going to approach The Fox & Hound, I created some real business for them during the State Cup (and World Cup) in 2006. If you have another suggestion, let me know and I’d be happy to approach them.