But Back Again for 2010

While we do indeed lose some pioneers of U.S. soccer at the highest level, there is also considerable reason for optimism for our prospects in South Africa four years from now.

Leading the charge into his third World Cup, when he will be a very well-seasoned 28 years old, is Landon Donovan. He will likely be the first to admit his 2006 World Cup left a good deal to be desired, as average play from this exceptionally talented player is certainly not the norm. With Reyna's retirement, Donovan may well take over duties with the captain's armband for the U.S., and will also be the starting point for all discussions about the U.S. team.

Also entering his third World Cup, and also at 28 years old, will be DeMarcus Beasley, who has been playing along side Donovan in a U.S. jersey since their successful campaigns as U-17 players. Beasley should improve with age as both experience and an increase in size and strength should be assets to his game.

Two other players would also be representing the U.S., in a third World Cup come 2010, those players being Josh Wolff and John O'Brien. Wolff would be one of the team's elder statesmen by then, at the age of 33, but his history has always been one to beat the odds and make critical plays when called upon to do so. Also into his 30's by then, O'Brien (#5 photo,left) will be past his 32nd birthday by South Africa, but it's more his ongoing issues with nagging injuries, which will tell the tale for this talented, play-making central midfielder. Also an alternate in 1998, O'Brien could be worth a slot on the side just for that historical breadth of experience from four World Cup training camps.

In their prime as mid-20-somethings, three players' progress on the world stage will make a significant impact on the prospects for the U.S. From the back, Oguchi "Gooch" Onyewu (center photo) had perhaps one of the best tournaments in Germany of any American player. Hit with an unjustly called penalty for a solid, legal play in the Ghana match, Gooch, was an imposing figure in the back throughout the 2006 tournament and will just get better with time.

Another solid performance in Germany was logged by Clint Dempsey (#8 photo, left), who could be a key component in the U.S. midfield mix for a long time. Dempsey's work rate and persistence, as well as the critical ability to score big goals, as he did to level the Ghana match, are obvious evidence of this player's value. The other player of growing value is forward Eddie Johnson (bottom photo), who could mature into one of the best goal scorers America has ever produced. Johnson will only be 26 in 2010, and if he can stay clear of injury and continue to develop, he could be the linchpin of the U.S. attack for the next two World Cups.

As with all the content of this blog, written and photographic, Copyrighted 2006, All Rights Reserved, Perry McIntyre, Atlanta, GA - USA.