Klinsmann Calls Up First USMNT Squad: Mexican-Americans, MLS Players, No Bornstein.

The Latin Influence: Klinsmann stressed this in his initial press conference and has acted on it immediately. He called up three Mexican-Americans from the Mexican league – Edgar Castillo, Jose Francisco Torres and Michael Orozco Fiscal – who had been frozen out under Bradley. Right now, it’s about giving the U.S. a different look and more fluidity on the ball. Longterm it’s going to be continuing and enhancing U.S. scouting and development in Hispanic and other immigrant communities.

Competition: Klinsmann’s stated goal was to “create competition at each position” to root out complacency. He’s using this friendly as an opportunity to explore options and depth, rather than give established players a run out.

Goalkeepers: Howard, obviously, is a no-brainer. Klinsmann’s choice of D.C. United’s Bill Hamid as his understudy was a surprise though, especially to Hamid, who thought it was a telemarketer and let the call go to voicemail.

Defenders: Klinsmann will be holding open auditions for a Jonathan Bornstein replacement at left back. Both Edgar Castillo and Heath Pearce should get shots to hold down that spot. Timmy Chandler, recovered sufficiently from his exhaustion, should get a crack at right back. [Update: Timmy Chandler will miss out with a knee injury. He has been replaced by Zach Loyd] The central defending options, unfortunately, are largely the same and entirely underwhelming.

Midfield: Bradley, Jones and Edu will still battle for playing time in central midfield. Ricardo Clark and Jose Francisco Torres get second chances. Klinsmann also has eye on MLS with Real Salt Lake stalwart Kyle Beckerman (and his rat’s nest) receiving a call, as well as FC Dallas youngster Brek Shea. No Feilhaber, Kljestan or Bedoya who featured in the Gold Cup.

Forward: Dempsey is getting a breather. Altidore is recovering from injury and trying to establish himself at his new club of the year. For 2011-12 it will be Dutch side AZ Alkmaar. Donovan, Agudelo and currently clubless Freddy Adu return from the Gold Cup squad. Klinsmann also wants a look at veterans Edson Buddle and DeMarcus Beasley.

Overall: This is an attack oriented lineup with a lot of speed going forward and a little more technical ability than typically seen under Bob Bradley. Though, it’s worth noting Bradley fielded a very offensive side in the last match against Mexico and it ended up being a flaming disaster. It will be interesting to see how Klinsmann lines up. He’s an established 4-4-2 guy, but the ratio of hybrid attacking wingers and ball players (Donovan, Adu, Beasley, Shea, Torres, Agudelo) to straight-forward strikers (Buddle) suggests a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3. Guessing you will see both looks.

[Photo via Getty]