Fri Jun 20 15:13:03 2008

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Bradley names U.S. roster for second leg in Barbados

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Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - U.S. men's national team coach Bob Bradley named 18 players to the squad that will travel to face Barbados in the second leg of CONCACAF's FIFA World Cup qualifying on Sunday.

Following the U.S. MNT's 8-0 victory against Barbados on June 15, Bradley opted to release 10 players, and the current squad has been in southern Florida preparing for this Sunday's game. The team travels to Barbados on Friday following training. Tim Howard continues to rehabilitate a lower back sprain suffered prior to the Barbados match, while Eddie Johnson has been ruled out due to illness.

"We understand that we need to have a maturity about us to go and finish the job," Bradley said. "We also have the chance to give some different players an opportunity in World Cup qualifying, which we believe will keep us fresh and sharp."

The roster still retains a core of experienced players, with two-time World Cup veteran Eddie Lewis leading the way with 79 caps. Not far behind Lewis is midfielder DaMarcus Beasley, who has appeared in 76 games. Team captain Carlos Bocanegra and Oguchi Onyewu have also been retained. In all, there are eight players on the roster who saw time in last weekend's game.

Below is the U.S. men's national team roster vs. Barbados:

GOALKEEPERS (3): Dominic Cervi (out of contract), Brad Guzan (Chivas USA), Chris Seitz (Real Salt Lake).

DEFENDERS (6): Carlos Bocanegra (out of contract), Dan Califf (FC Midtjylland), Jay DeMerit (Watford FC), Drew Moor (FC Dallas) Oguchi Onyewu (Standard de Liege), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock).

MIDFIELDERS (6): DaMarcus Beasley (Glasgow Rangers), Michael Bradley (SC Heerenveen), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Eddie Lewis (Derby County), Danny Szetela (Brescia), John Thorrington (Chicago Fire).

FORWARDS (3): Freddy Adu (SL Benfica), Chad Barrett (Chicago Fire), Chris Rolfe (Chicago Fire).