Oops, He Did It Again

Saturday's game in the Rose Bowl vs. Mexico will be a referendum on the tenure of Jurgen Klinsmann as the coach of the #USMNT. While win or lose he may keep his job, it's hard to imagine things going well if the US were to lose. So why did he leave Omar Gonzalez off his roster? Didn't he learn the last time he left a Galaxy star off the roster in a significant competition?

The Right Decision?

Yes, Omar has not been playing well lately. We've even wondered here at LAGConfidential if maybe Jurgen broke him. He's been caught ball watching on crucial goals, and generally has not played up to the level of which he is capable. And yes, he's doesn't play as significant a role for the USMNT, both on the field and off, as Landon Donovan did.

But Omar Gonzalez has played well against Mexico in the past. He's still one of the best center backs the US has to offer. Most people were considering whether or not he would start, not whether he would even make the roster for the game.

Jurgen Being Jurgen

Jurgen Klinsmann has made a habit of making strange decisions. About the only thing you can be sure of with him is that there's nothing you can be sure of. His roster choices have been strange for almost the entire time he's coached the USMNT.

If the USMNT wins on Saturday (which Mexico seems to be making every effort to ensure happens with coaching changes and injuries), then all of this will be a moot point. But if the USMNT loses, and it is related at all to the play of the center backs, then this will be another instance in a long list of questionable decisions by the head coach. As Landon Donovan said this week, it's time to hold him to the same standard he hold's players.

Jurgen, the last time you left off a Galaxy star from your roster for a major competition, how'd that turn out for you?