Much as I alluded to in my International Intrigue column when this United States-South Africa friendly was announced, United States coach Bob Bradley has chosen a roster that looks like it was released May 23, 2010, not November 9 of
2007.  Mainstays Donavon, Bocanegra, Beasley, Onyewu and Dempsey are joined by youngsters Adu, Bornstein, Kljestan, Edu and yes, Josmer Altidore.  

US Soccer says this is an “Initial 17 man roster,” which really means we’ll wait and see if Kansas City defeats Houston in Saturday’s Western Conference Finals,  and then we’ll call Eddie Johnson (If Houston is upset, perhaps Bradley will bring in Brian Ching).

Bottom line is this roster is short on forwards, with Dempsey, Donavon and Altidore being the only three.  Expect additions to this roster on Sunday before camp opens in Johannesburg on Monday.

South Africa’s squad is pretty much full strength, with three Premiership players on the roster; Aaron Mokoena and Bennie McCarthy of Blackburn Rovers as well as Steven Pineaar from Everton.