USMNT goalkeeper platoon returns

Jurgen Klinsmann announced during his pre-match press conference that Brad Guzan will start Friday’s World Cup qualifier at St. Vincent & the Grenadines, while Tim Howard will get the nod Tuesday against Trinidad & Tobago.

Yep, that’s right folks. The platoon is back with a vengeance!

Klinsmann admitted to reporters on Thursday that he doesn’t like rotating goalkeepers, but then gave a nonsensical reason as to why he’s doing it.

“I’m not a big fan of rotating goalkeepers,” Klinsmann continued, “but the situation here and even for Mexico is different than for a European or South American team. For us, playing all these different games in different places and different circumstances and purposes, we have to always juggle different rosters. Do I want to always start the same back four? Absolutely. But it’s just not reality.”

Goalkeepers play 2 matches a week all the time without getting tired. That’s a really weak justification for reverting back to the platoon.

Jurgen claims that none of the other young goalkeepers have caught up to Guzan or Howard in terms of talent and/or production.

“They’re both pretty much on the same level, they’re both very important to us,” Klinsmann said, “and it hasn’t changed anything yet since Copa América because the younger ones in line which are very talented haven’t reached that level yet. So we try to help them one step at a time. But as of today they’re not on Tim’s or Brad Guzan’s level.”

I’m just a lowly blogger on a website, but I don’t agree with that assessment at all. Bill Hamid has been arguably the best goalkeeper in MLS for the last two seasons and has barely gotten a sniff of action for the national team.

Guzan and Howard have been fine servants for USMNT over the years, but both have their faults. Giving a player like Hamid a chance to prove himself at this level makes perfect sense especially in a time where both veterans have struggled for consistency at the club level.

Hamid’s only fault is his injury history. Any time he’s about to be given a chance he winds up hurt.

Nevertheless, the platoon is back. That’s my mini worthless rant on it. What’s everyone else think?