Forwards

This is the best group of forwards we've ever sent to the World Cup. But will it be enough?

Brian McBride: McBride is the rock in our attack. Playing for Fulham has honed his considerable physical skills and he still wins every header that comes his way, even in one of the world's top leagues. This will (likely) be his last World Cup and I'd expect him to want to go out with a bang. He's strong in the air and a good distributor of the ball and I would expect him to have a very, very good WC06.

Eddie Johnson: The newest name on people's lips. Eddie Johnson has all of the physical skills needed to play the game at a high level. He's also more than just a speedster now that he's bulked up a bit and he's always been pretty good in the air. Johnson's two problems are his attitude and his inexperience. He tends to get despondent and dissappear for portions of games. Unlike McBride, who is always hustling and scrapping, Johnson goes in spurts. His other problem is his inexperience, both with his likely strike partner, McBride, as well as at the top level. His goals have primarily come against somewhat weaker CONCACAF opponents. Against better opponents he has looked somewhat weaker. This could be a true, breakout tournament for Johnson, or it could prove that he's just not capable of playing at this level... Only time will tell.

Josh Wolff: It's rare that a striker is looked at as a utility player but in Wolf's case he definitely is. With 45 games and 9 goals his games to goal ratio kind of stinks (to be fair, his playing time in minutes isn't as high as that looks, because he's been a substitute... additionally, his time at striker isn't that high because of his utility). However, anyone who has watched the games he's played in can attest to how damaging his speed and passing ability can be. When paired with a truly proficient poacher (Donovan or Johnson perhaps) he could help unlock a stingy defense. Additionally, he's quite capable of playing on the wings and might be our only true right winger if Arena needs to go with a more Chelsea style of play (sort of a hybrid 4-5-1/4-3-3 type of look). Johnson and Donovan are likely ahead of him on the depth chart to pair with McBride but I expect Wolff to see a decent amount of playing time.

Brian Ching: The other surpise roster inclusion (along with Conrad). Somewhat less of a surprise then Conrad. Ching is a natural fit to replace McBride if there's an injury or suspension. Ching is a big body and good in the air. He's a tireless scrapper but he can be taken out of games if he's forced to drift wide by the defense. Needs to work on staying more central and involved in the game. He's only got 15 games and 3 goals for the Nats but he's a mature player and he's recently been on quite a tear with his club team.

Others:
Landon Donovan: Donovan is the only other "forward" on the current roster. At this point, I'd say he's 50/50 to start next to McBride. The two big determinants are going to be the health of Reyna and O'Brien and the form of Johnson. The other potential consideration is Dempsey's ability to adapt to the wide right role and his chemistry with Cherundulo.

Alternates:
Conor Casey: Some people feel he's the next great American striker. He certainly looked to be on his way before he was injured. Only time will tell how good he gets but he's a long shot for the Cup.

Chris Rolfe: The other young player. Potentially a good partner for Casey in the future. They form a nice big/little combo that might work. Again, a long shot for this cup.

Taylor Twellman: The suprise roster drop. Most people felt like Twellman would be there instead of Ching. However, Ching more easily drops into McBride's place without a change in tactics and that's probably the thing that put him onto the roster. Twellman is fairly quick and good in the air, but he's not the big body that McBride and Ching are. Twellman is a likely inclusion if McBride or Ching gets injured. But I would expect Noonan (see below) to be the replacement for Johnson or Wolff.

Pat Noonan: Can play forward but his likely ticket to a roster spot would be for Johnson or, especially, Wolff to get injured and Arena to put Landon's name in the forwards column in pen. Very similar to Wolff in terms of versatility and wing play. Ability to play forward is just another plus. Has a freakish resemblance to Screech from saved by the bell.

The unit as a whole: This is a tough group for me to grade. I feel like McBride and Donovan form a pretty good partnership with Johnson being the big unknown. If Johnson comes out firing and shows the world he can play at this level, then I think you're looking at an A+ grade. If Johnson can't perform then a Donovan/McBride tandem is likely and the grade is still a very good A (but the midfield would be weakened... that's an important consideration to keep in mind).

Goalkeepers tomorrow.