Klinsmann names U.S. roster for Costa Rica, Belgium

Jurgen Klinsmann today announced his 24-man U.S. Men’s National Team roster to face Costa Rica in Los Angeles on September 2nd and Belgium in Brussels on September 6th. Included in the squad are ex-New England Revolution midfielders Clint Dempsey, now in England with Fulham FC, and Jeff Larentowicz, now with the Colorado Rapids.

Dempsey makes his return to the national team after being left off the roster for the friendly with Mexico earlier this month, while Larentowicz will be looking to make his second appearance for the U.S. and first since December of 2010. In addition to playing for the Revs, Larentowicz was a product of Rhode Island’s Brown University and played on loan for the then USL Second Division New Hampshire Phantoms.

Outside of Larentowicz, the only real surprise on the roster is midfielder Fabian Johnson. Johnson, eligible to play for both Germany and the U.S., played in the German Youth National Team set-up through the U-21 program and currently plays for German Bundesliga Club TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. The 23-year-old has played his entire career in Germany.

Other notables include D.C. United goalkeeper Bill Hamid, who earned his first call-up in early August against Mexico, but has yet to make his U.S. debut. Sacha Kljestan, Teal Bunbury, and Jozy Altidore, along with Larentowicz, Dempsey, and Johnson, earn their first call-ups under Klinsmann.

Complete Roster:

GOALKEEPERS (2): Bill Hamid (D.C.United), Tim Howard (Everton)

DEFENDERS (9): Carlos Bocanegra (Rangers), Edgar Castillo (Club America), Timmy Chandler (FC Nürnberg), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover), Clarence Goodson (Brondby), Zach Loyd (FC Dallas), Michael Orozco Fiscal (San Luis), Heath Pearce (Chivas USA), Tim Ream (New York Red Bulls)

MIDFIELDERS (9): Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim), Sacha Kljestan (Anderlecht), Jeff Larentowicz (Colorado Rapids), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew), Brek Shea (FC Dallas), Jose Torres (Pachuca)

FORWARDS (4): Juan Agudelo (New York Red Bulls), Jozy Altidore (AZ Alkmaar), Teal Bunbury (Sporting Kansas City), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy)