by Greg Seltzer for Soccer365

With a busy summer of tourneys done and about 11 months to go before World Cup 2010 kicks off in South Africa, it's seems a great time to check on the race to make U.S. coach Bob Bradley's squad.

Being that I am no mind reader, a Bradley depth chart brain pick it is. I will identify each of the main candidates and then tab the guys hoping to dazzle their way into a surprise mad dash roster place (a la DaMarcus Beasley in 2002).

I will try to keep my opinion out of this as much as possible, instead trying to make the educated guess on how things stand entering August. To clarify the scene a little more, though, I will boldface the players who are already virtually assured of inclusion next summer. If I'm right about the 13 guys I've given this status to, that leaves 10 places still up for grabs.

Keepers (3)

Tim Howard has been the starter since the Ghana game in Nuremberg ended, an issue long closed. I do not share the common opinion that Brad Guzan is the clear #2 man. Both Marcus Hahnemann and Troy Perkins will still have plenty to say about that - but it would seem only one makes the trip.

If injuries happen: Honestly, I feel that Jon Busch, Matt Pickens and Matt Reis are the only other guys with an outside shot to claim a place. Way, way, way outside. Past the barn and down the road - to another state.

Defenders (8)

Captain Carlos Bocanegra and Oguchi Onyewu will be in South Africa, with Jay DeMerit also likely along as the third choice center back. The race for this fourth slot is crowded. Jimmy Conrad, Danny Califf, Clarence Goodson and Chad Marshall are all in with a shot and just under a year for someone to stand out.

Now, we slide wide, where it all gets tricky. Let's begin on the right, where things are a little more clear. Due to injury struggles for Steve Cherundolo and Frank Simek, Jonathan Spector has become the leading candidate to start at right back.

Of course, his depth chart rally came on the heels of his own injury woes, so this spot is still wide open. Cherundolo has already made his return to the set-up, giving him an inside track on the #2 slot, meaning Simek has work to do.

The left back position is murkier, making it the subject of much hand-wringing in U.S. media and fan circles. With Bocanegra and Spector capable of moving port-side, it is possible that Bradley only brings one true left back. If that happens, Jonathan Bornstein and Heath Pearce could battle it out for this place until next spring.

And, if you needed any more confusion, there is the Frankie Hejduk wild-card. Capable of playing feisty on either wing, The Dude (who turns 35 next week) has more than a puncher's chance of making the squad.

If injuries happen: Being that I've named 13 firm possibilities for eight slots, those five stragglers will take up most of the alternate slots. Does anyone else have a shot at forcing their way into frame?

After missing out on World Cup 2006 in heartbreaking fashion, I really wish I could say Cory Gibbs was in the frame. He may well be, with Bradley letting him focus solely on club play to maximize form and minimize the chance of injury. I'd like to believe that, I really would... just not sure I do.

Out wide, it seems that Eric Lichaj could sneak up the right back chart if he sees a lot pf playing time with Aston Villa's first team this season. The extra left back hopefuls play professionally in Mexico: Michael Orozco (better defensively) and potential FIFA flag switcher Edgar Castillo (better offensively).

Midfielders (9)

With instant choices Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan also available for forward duty, I'm betting Bradley is thinking nine midfielders. Along with those attackers, central man Michael Bradley is a certainty.

Maurice Edu and Germany convert Jermaine Jones also seem great bets to make the team, with Ricardo Clark rising of late to hold down the fourth central slot.

Calling the final three is a tricky proposition. Benny Feilhaber is shaping up to the bench playmaker and Stuart Holden is another versatile option coming into his own. With the last slot probably going to a pure winger-type, expect DaMarcus Beasley to be given first crack if he can rebound from a rotten patch.

If injuries happen: Should Beasley not be able to get it together, look for José Francisco Torres, Robbie Rogers and perhaps Jeremiah White to push for that place.

Sacha Kljestan has fallen off badly, which allowed Kyle Beckerman to make his semi-successful pitch. Naturally, old hand Pablo Mastroeni remains around as destroyer insurance.

Of course, Freddy Adu is the obvious guy who could suddenly force his way in, but the versatile duo of Davy Arnaud and Geoff Cameron also hold small chances to be a latecomer.

Forwards (3)

This situation looks pretty clear for now. Josmer Altidore and Charlie Davies will be among the 23 chosen, while Brian Ching looks somewhat safe in the "veteran target worker" role.

If injuries happen: Kenny Cooper's style allows him to be considered for both strike roles. Conor Casey would appear to be the emergency pure power guy, but Aalborg's Marcus Tracy could change that by exploding in Denmark. Looking more and more like he will get some chances with Fulham, Eddie Johnson remains a speed option at the edge of the frame.

Soccer365 reporter Greg Seltzer blogs daily over at No Short Corners. Questions, comments, kudos or complaints? Email him at greg@noshortcorners.com.

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