2008 USA Training – XXL

The 2008 calendar year was a pivotal period of transition for the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) under head coach Bob Bradley. While there were no major tournaments that year, the squad focused on World Cup qualification, testing younger players, and preparing for the competitive cycle leading to the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The year featured a blend of experienced veterans and the rise of future stars — most notably a teenage Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley, with Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey continuing to lead the attack.

🇺🇸 2008 USA Key Highlights

• World Cup Qualifying:

  • Advanced through the third round of CONCACAF qualification for the 2010 World Cup.

  • Notable wins:

    • ✅ 3–0 vs Trinidad & Tobago

    • ✅ 6–1 vs Cuba

    • ⚖️ 2–2 draw away at El Salvador

• Friendlies:

  • Tough tests vs top nations:

    • ❌ 0–2 vs England (Wembley)

    • ❌ 0–1 vs Spain (Santander)

    • ⚖️ 0–0 vs Argentina (New Jersey)

➡️ The team showed defensive grit and emerging depth, setting the foundation for 2009’s breakout performances.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 USA 2008 Squad Core

Coach: Bob Bradley

Goalkeepers

• Tim Howard

• Brad Guzan

• Kasey Keller

• Troy Perkins

Defenders

• Carlos Bocanegra (Captain)

• Steve Cherundolo

• Oguchi Onyewu

• Jay DeMerit

• Frankie Hejduk

• Heath Pearce

• Jonathan Spector

• Michael Parkhurst

Midfielders

• Michael Bradley

• Ricardo Clark

• Maurice Edu

• DaMarcus Beasley

• Sacha Kljestan

• Freddy Adu

• Benny Feilhaber

Forwards

• Landon Donovan

• Clint Dempsey

• Jozy Altidore

• Brian Ching

• Eddie Johnson

• Kenny Cooper