The U.S. Men’s National Team roster of 23 was officially announced today and it was no surprise that midfielder LANDON DONOVAN made the team and is off to South Africa soon.
 

After the roster was announced, Donovan was very sensitive to those teammates who did not make the cut and said, "At this point there are mixed emotions. Personally, you're excited for the guys who are here, but you also feel bad for the guys who don't make it. I've never dealt with that, but the reality is that these are people's dreams. When you're told your dream is not coming true, it's a little disappointing.” The final days are counting down to the start of the World Cup and Donovan is ready.  “Moving forward I think we're all excited to put this part of the trip behind us and go on to South Africa where the real fun begins," said Donovan.
 

The real surprise is the impact just a few months can make. Just roll back the clock and imagine a few months ago and ask yourself whether or not you would have thought Edson Buddle would be on the final roster to represent the U.S. at the World Cup?   (Did you even know Buddle’s name?)   Buddle is now Major League Soccer's leading scorer with nine goals in nine matches for the LA Galaxy. When coach  U.S. Men’s National Team head coach Bob Bradley revealed the 23 players going to South Africa, few soccer aficionados who have been watching the LA Galaxy’s games this season were surprised that Buddle’s name was on the list. 
"Plain and simple, Edson has had a real good stretch, scored a lot of goals,” said Bob Bradley.

Bradley continued 
"It’s always important to understand that when you make tough decisions, you try to factor in everything. We talked a lot about how guys have done in camp, and now you had a chance to see them last night, but you also take into account where they are in their seasons. Certainly up to this point in MLS, Edson’s been one of the best players in the league and we felt that type of form needed to really count.”
 

It is clear that Donovan and his US National team are looking forward to the world cup. Their first soccer game is coming up on June 12 against England. What does Donovan think? 
"Our strength is and has always been our team. A lot of teams around the world have massive stars that play on big teams around the world, but for us our strength has always been our ability to play as a team and we think that that really gives us an advantage over other teams," said Donovan.

Southern California youth soccer is in for a very exciting few weeks with the World Cup starting and familiar faces to watch.   

MORE NEWS on the FINAL ROSTER of 23 - Donovan, Buddle & Bornstein All Make the Roster CLICK HERE