——————— US v Mexico 4/2/2014 - 11pm EST University of Phoenix Stadium - Glendale, AZ - A huge test is at hand (on multiple levels) for Jurgen Klinsmann and the USMNT on Wednesday as they face their biggest nemesis in Glendale. Tickets will surely reach well over 50K in this, the last tune-up before Klinsmann names his preliminary roster for the 2014 World Cup. Jurgen has suggested that he will name a large squad for the Send-Off Series and will make cuts needed to achieve the coveted 23 man roster that will travel to Brazil. - Any USMNT fan will know the history between these teams. From friendlies to World Cup Quarterfinals, we’ve seen this matchup get ugly on multiple occasions. Both teams will clearly be doing whatever they can to get a confidence boosting win at the hands of their regional rival. Puebla FC have refused to release Damarcus Beasley and Michael Orozco for the match much to the public displeasure of Jurgen Klinsmann and staff. It is likely the benefit of the club, but it seems odd nonetheless. We all know that Mexico was indeed one beautiful Graham Zusi header away from not going to Brazil. We’d say “You’re Welcome” but we did it for another 3 points, not for you. - A mostly domestic based squad named by Klinsmann and his staff in this game, which seems to be an increasing trend over the last 12 months. Clint Dempsey, Clarence Goodson, Michael Parkhurst, Michael Bradley and Maurice Edu have all returned from their European teams to play in the MLS in the past year. Here’s the full roster: - GK: Bill Hamid, Sean Johnson, Nick Rimando DEF: Tony Beltran, Matt Besler, Omar Gonzalez, Clarence Goodson, Michael Parkhurst, DeAndre Yedlin MID: Kyle Beckerman, Michael Bradley, Brad Davis, Landon Donovan, Maurice Edu, Luis Gil, Graham Zusi FOR: Clint Dempsey, Julian Green, Eddie Johnson, Chris Wondolowski - The name that stands out is surely Julian Green. To the delight of every American soccer fan, FIFA approved his one-time switch last month from Germany. In looking at the training videos, Captain Clint Dempsey has taken it upon himself to show Julian the ropes. A lot of weight put on Green from the media in the short amount of time with the nats, but people need to remember that he’s 18 YEARS OLD! Still, it cannot be seen as anything but promising. Nice to see MB90 back in the team, along with Maurice Edu. Edu hasn’t featured since the U.S. drew with Mexico at the Azteca last year in qualifying. Big camp for him. An all-MLS backline and keeper combination will be put to the test in this match. We got this. - On the other side, Miguel Herrerra has named the the following team: - Alfredo Talavera, Moises Munoz, Rafa Marquez, Francisco Rodriguez, Enrique Perez, Juan Carlos Valenzuela, Miguel Ponce, Miguel Layun, Paul Aguilar, Rogelio Chavez, Juan Carlos Medina, Jesus Zavala, Marco Fabian, Isaac Brizuela, Carlos Pena, Luis Montes, Alan Pulido and Raul Jimenez… Eh. - Let’s get a W here and then beat Azerbaijan and then beat Turkey and then beat Nigeria and then beat Ghana and then beat Portugal and then beat Germany and then we’ll be close to winning the World Cup. Well, let’s start with beating Mexico first. What do you say? - We know this: It’s almost here. The World Cup. 4 years of waiting, over. Let’s be loud in the stands and give the boys something they’re proud of before they head to Brazil. - Unite & Strengthen - Visit your local AO chapter bar and watch with fellow fans! - www.theamericanoutlaws.com/chapters - Here is an intelligent pre-game preview by our friends at The ShinGuardian: http://theshinguardian.com/2014/03/31/tsgs-official-usa-v-mexico-preview-weekends-with-berti/