Preview: Feilhaber, Zusi braced for USA vs. Serbia on Sunday

A new era for the U.S. Men’s National Team will begin Sunday when the Americans host Serbia at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego. And with so many compelling storylines surrounding the U.S. MNT at present, Sunday carries more intrigue than the average friendly.

Bruce is Back

At the forefront, Bruce Arena has replaced Jurgen Klinsmann as head coach, reclaiming the role he held from 1998-2006. The longtime LA Galaxy manager welcomed 32 players to January Camp, 31 of whom ply their trades in Major League Soccer. Arena’s first iteration of the U.S. MNT will feature a blend of youngsters looking to break through, established staples and veterans hoping to resurrect their international careers. With a pair of crucial World Cup qualifiers looming in March, competition for spots is fierce.

Benny is Back

Among the veterans clawing for new international life is Benny Feilhaber. Arena’s arrival in November has afforded the Sporting KC playmaker a chance he thought he would never receive just a few months ago. Feilhaber has been excellent in Sporting blue for the last two seasons and is suddenly a candidate to fill a playmaking void for the U.S. Should he take the field on Sunday, it will be his first international appearance since Feb. 1, 2014.

Zusi is (Right) Back

Graham Zusi’s transition to the backline has been chronicled on SportingKC.com and MLSsoccer.com. Arena — and Sporting KC Manager Peter Vermes, for that matter — believe the longtime midfielder can thrive at right back for a U.S. side that lacks a surefire starter at the position. Zusi played there multiple times in 2016, including two games against Arena’s Galaxy, and Sunday could be his first right back voyage in U.S. colors.

Back on Track?

The Americans haven’t played since suffering World Cup qualifying defeats to Mexico and Costa Rica last November. An ominous start to the Hexagonal resulted in Klinsmann’s departure and has left a bitter taste in the mouths of U.S. players and supporters alike. Beginning Sunday, the Yanks can shift momentum and set a winning tone ahead of a busy 2017.

Granted, some of the players on the current roster won’t be involved with the U.S. MNT beyond January Camp. The squad is far from settled, however, and certain spots remain up for grabs. We will also receive a first glimpse at Arena’s tactical and formational approach, which could prove telling going forward.

Know the Foe

Serbia’s biggest names are currently competing for clubs across Europe. Consequently, head coach Slavoljub Muslin has assembled a young, experimental squad with limited international experience. Only two players are older than 25, and the eight who have previously been capped have made just one appearance each. Muslin was appointed Serbia’s manager last May and boasts a 4-1-3 record, including World Cup qualifying wins over Moldova and Austria last October. The Serbians are currently second in their World Cup qualifying group with two wins and two draws through four games.

USA Roster

GOALKEEPERS (3): David Bingham (San Jose Earthquakes), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake), Luis Robles (New York Red Bulls)

DEFENDERS (8): DaMarcus Beasley (Unattached), Steve Birnbaum (D.C. United), Brad Evans (Seattle Sounders FC), Greg Garza (Atlanta United FC), Chad Marshall (Seattle Sounders FC), Jorge Villafaña (Santos Laguna, MEX), Walker Zimmerman (FC Dallas), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City)

MIDFIELDERS (9): Alejandro Bedoya (Philadelphia Union), Michael Bradley (Toronto FC), Benny Feilhaber (Sporting Kansas City), Jermaine Jones (LA Galaxy), Sacha Kljestan (New York Red Bulls), Sebastian Lletget (LA Galaxy), Dax McCarty (Chicago Fire), Darlington Nagbe (Portland Timbers), Chris Pontius (Philadelphia Union)

FORWARDS (3): Juan Agudelo (New England Revolution), Jozy Altidore (Toronto FC), Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders FC)

Serbia Roster

GOALKEEPERS (2): Filip Manojlović (Crvena zvezda) Ognjen Čančarević (Radnik, Surdulica)

DEFENDERS (7): Nikola Maraš (Rad), Lazar Jovanović (Borac, Čačak), Vladimir Kovačević (Vojvodina), Nemanja Ćalasan (Spartak), Marko Klisura (Bačka), Nikola Ćirković (Voždovac), Nemanja Miletić (Partizan)

MIDFIELDERS (7): Marko Jevtović (Partizan), Stefan Panić (Metalac), Jovan Đokić (Javor), Marko Gobeljić (Napredak), Aleksandar Paločević (Vojvodina), Enver Alivodić (Novi Pazar), Srđan Plavšić (Crvena zvezda).

FORWARDS (2): Marko Mrkić (Radnički, Niš), Saša Jovanović (Mladost, Lučani)