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Update: Besler starts in Ireland
#USMNT Lineup: Hamid; F. Johnson, Cameron, Besler, Chandler; Beckerman; Bedoya, Diskerud, Morales; Wondolowski, Altidore (c)
— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) November 18, 2014
The last match of 2014 for Klinsmann's squad takes place today in Dublin versus Ireland. A loss to Scotland in a tough Euro qualifier may have the Irish ready to take on the Yanks.
The U.S. lost to Columbia after taking a 1-0 lead when Jozy Altidore pounded a PK in the 10th minute. Another late goal conceded ruined the chance for the U.S. to at least pull a draw against the number 3 ranked team.
Ireland is only 61st ranked but it will be on home soil so it should be a good test for the visitors.
Jurgen Klinsmann released Lee Nguyen, DeAndre Yedlin, Jermaine Jones from the squad with their teams still in the playoffs. DaMarcus Beasley was also released and no players added. The Irish also sent Robbie Keane back to LA.
With Jones headed back to MLS, Klinsmann cannot continue his experiment with Jones as a central defender so it will be interesting to see if Matt Besler starts or rides the bench again. A lot of Sporting Kansas City fans were wanting Besler to be left home to get some rest like Graham Zusi was.
This should be a good opportunity for the U.S. to take a look at some of the younger and less experienced players while giving some older players more key roles.
Irrelevant fact: The U.S. U20s just beat their Irish counterparts 1-0 a couple days ago in Spain.
Match date/time: Tuesday, 7:45pm local, 2:45 EST
Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland
TV: ESPN2, UNIVISION (U.S.), Setanta Sports Ireland (Ireland)
Online: WatchESPN