USA Soccer in 2014?

The USA men's national team had a solid 2010 World Cup. They won their group for the second time since 1930. They did not lose a game in group play.

However, the team had a bad habit of allowing early goals. The Americans also lost a huge opportunity (a beatable Ghana team) in the knockout round.

So let's look a the USA possibilities for 2014.

-Midfield

The USA appears solid at the midfield with cornerstone Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey, joined by budding stars Michael Bradley and Maurice Edu.

Dempsey and Donovan can also play up front. The duo will likely be the heart and soul of the USA in Brazil.

Will Freddy Adu finally break into the lineup in four years?

That said, the Americans need work in the back and up front.

-Defense

On defense Captain Carlos Bocanegra and Steve Cherundolo (solid World Cup) have likely played their last World Cup. They both will be 35 in four years.

Hopefully, this country can produce replacements. If Jonathan Spector and Jonathan Bornstein improve, they could be the starters. A healthy Oguchi Onyewu could be the rock of the back four. Marvel Wynne is another possibility.

-Forward

The USA forwards scored no goals in the 2010 World Cup. However, let's remember that Wayne Rooney will return home without a goal, too.

Jozy Altidore emerged on World stage. He wreaked havoc on the opposition and was integral in other scoring opportunities. Can Altidore (pictured) turn in physical gifts into becoming the Americans go-to scorer?

The Americans missed exciting Charlie Davies. Robbie Findley did little to impress in South Africa.

Edson Buddle and Herculez Gomez were one-shot wonders who Bradley hoped would find their recent for the net. They both had their moments. It's too bad they did not get hot earlier. More time with National Team could've produced more continuity, and more goals from the forwards.

Brian Ching might’ve been a good complement on this team. Tim Howard was the best “in the air” the USA had, and that was a brief extra time stint against Ghana.

Which brings us to Howard and to goalkeeping. He was at times outstanding and keep the Americans in the World Cup. However, he should’ve stopped at least one of Ghana’s two tallies.

-Goalkeeper

While Howard is considered one of the best keepers in the World, there are doubters. He will be 35 in 2014, a prime age for a netminder.

Would you not feel better with a younger Kasey Keller between the pipes than Howard?

I thought so...

It will be interesting to see how Brad Guzan progresses over the next few years.