USMNT defense carousel continues with Copa America Centenario roster change
Jurgen Klinsmann has used pretty much every thinkable player in defense since taking over five years ago. There's a downside to that - players have struggled to develop an understanding with each other and there's been a lack of comfort in defense - but it also means that in the event of injury or downturn in form, Klinsmann always has another player to go to. The benefit of it paid off on Friday, when an injury forced Klinsmann to make a change to his Copa America Centenario roster.
Timmy Chandler was taken off the Americans' roster because of an injury he suffered in Eintracht Frankfurt's promotion/relegation playoff and was replaced by Edgar Castillo. Rosters for Copa America were due on May 20, but teams are allowed to make changes in the event of injury. Castillo probably won't join the U.S. until Sunday, after he plays for Monterrey in the second leg of the Liga MX final.
While Klinsmann preferred Chandler to Castillo, he may have caught a break here. Chandler is a good player in the Bundesliga, but he's never played well for the U.S. and didn't have a great season for his club. He is also a natural right back and only somewhat servicable at left back, but it's left back where the U.S. team could use some help.
That's where Castillo comes in. He's a natural on that side and in good form. He doesn't offer a ton defensively, but he's a threat with the ball and can get into the attack with ease. He also played in the Americans' last two World Cup qualifiers so he's been with the team recently.
Now with Castillo in the team, Klinsmann has the option of putting him in and pushing Fabian Johnson forward, which would please a lot of people who want to see Johnson in a more attacking position. It's unlikely that Klinsmann makes that move from the start, but it's a possibility as a sub or later in the tournament.
Meanwhile, Klinsmann did get good news as Geoff Cameron has been cleared to play after dealing with a small injury. He will be available for Sunday's friendly against Bolivia, the Americans' final friendly before Copa America.
Klinsmann likes to rotate through his defenders. Exactly who would play, or even get called up, has been a mystery, but it's paying off now.
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