The Top U.S. 11

This is the deepest talent pool the U.S. has ever seen. Clearly, the U.S. squad will have depth to choose from during its 10 game run through the gauntlet known as the Hexagonal. Most positions are up in the air; Only Armas, Llamosa, and Reyna are assured of a permanent spot in the lineup. Much of the bench depth is due to MLS, but the key attacking players are based out of our borders. Let's take a look at our squad.

The number one spot belongs to Kasey Keller. He's a solid goalkeeper who has the flair to have a great game, and the ability to lose one as well. He holds a slight edge over Brad Friedel. Friedel got the nod in the first qualifier in Columbus due to his ability to get the counterattack started. Tony Meola is an able third keeper who can start if necessary. If we get down that far, Zach Thornton and Kevin Hartman look to be next in line.

Things get sticky when we start talking about the defenders. The first question to come up: Should we play 3 or 4 at the back? With this group, I'd go with four at the back. Carlos Llamosa is an automatic selection near the top of the teamsheet. Jeff Agoos should partner him in central defense. Eddie Pope should get the start at right back, but he'll feel pressure from Tony Sanneh and Steve Cherundolo later in the Hex. David Regis should get the nod at left back. Greg Vanney is a likely reserve at both left back and in the middle. Greg Berhalter is the first backup in the center. When you go farther on down the line, names like Frankie Hedjuk, Mike Petke, Robin Fraser, and Nick Garcia start to pop up.

The setup in midfield depends on the defensive alignment. One thing is certain: Chris Armas will anchor the defensive midfield slot. If he can stay in the game, Claudio Reyna will start as the attacking midfielder. The wings are a muddled issue. On the left, it's likely to be a choice between Ben Olsen and Cobi Jones, although the latter is better for a late-game spark. Eddie Lewis should figure in at some point if he gets regular club action. DaMarcus Beasley has failed to impress in his stints on the left and needs more MLS seasoning. The right wing should be manned by veteran Earnie Stewart. If he doesn't start on the left, Olsen will cover on the right for Stewart. John O'Brien will figure in at some point at either defensive or attacking midfield. Joe-Max Moore, Clint Mathis, and Landon Donovan provide adequate cover for a suspended Reyna. Kerry Zavagnin is behind O'Brien in the defensive midfield. Youngster Bobby Convey is waiting in the wings.

The squad is teeming with able bodied strikers. Brian McBride looks to be the surest bet of the all at this point, despite a lack of goals at Preston. The second striker spot is a knock down drag out fight between Ante Razov, Joe-Max Moore, and Landon Donovan. At this point, Razov looks to hold an edge due to rich goalscoring form and consistent playing time. Donovan will play a part somewehere, most likely as a first sub for either McBride or Razov. He may sneak into Razov's spot as the Hex rolls along. Moore has suffered from a dearth of scoring form this season at Everton and has subsequently fallen down the U.S. pecking order. Josh Wolff looks to be the fifth striker. In a pinch, Clint Mathis could move up top. Jason Kreis lurks on the very edge of the National team pool.

Obviously, this squad will be tinkered with in game circumstances. Cobi Jones and Landon Donovan look to be key offensive substitutes. Greg Berhalter is the key sub in defense. Joe-Max Moore, Ben Olsen , or John O'Brien will figure in as substitute midfielders. Arena has the tools to take his squad to Korea/Japan. The squad has a delicate blend of experience and talent. Look for Donovan to start in place of Razov by the June qualifier at Foxboro.