USMNT State of the Union: Goalkeepers

It's been quite some stretch of time since the United States men have played a game that actually counter towards something. Looking ahead, however, the schedule gets busy. World Cup qualifiers in the spring give way to the Copa America Centenario in the summer. While it's still not clear exactly how Klinsmann will play the Copa with his roster selection, it's a more than safe bet he'll call in his first choice team for qualifiers.

Strangely, the goalkeeper pool has been a source of concern for U.S. fans of late. Usually the Americans' greatest strength, this season has not been good to the names at the top of the U.S. keeper pool. Benchings, trade rumors, and injuries abound in as uncertain a situation in goal the U.S. has seen for quite some time. Let's take a look at the pool.

Brad Guzan:

It's been a trying season for Guzan. Aston Villa are just plain awful, and the Polar Bear lost his starting position midway through the season. He's recently won that starting position back and has had a few impressive outings as of late, but Villa are still going to be relegated. Grade: B-

Tim Howard:

One of the most recognizable figures on the USMNT over the past several years finally seems to be showing signs of his age. Howard seems all but set to finish out the year as Everton's back-up keeper, the longest stretch of time he's ever ridden pine for them, with a move to MLS most likely coming in the summer. Grade: D+

Bill Hamid:

Injured for the foreseeable future.

Nick Rimando:

Still pulling off impressive saves in MLS, but seems to have hit his ceiling as Klinsmann's third choice future of the past. Grade: B-

William Yarbrough:

The Leon keeper lost his starting spot in Mexico for the last half of 2015, but has appeared to gain it back and kept successive clean sheets against Tijuana and Queretaro. Most likely in the pole position to overtake Nick Rimando. Grade: B+

David Bingham:

A late addition to January camp, Bingham has been impressive with the Earthquakes. Could be in contention to take over for Rimando in Qualifiers. Grade: B

Luis Robles:

Another competitor for the third keeper slot, although his Red Bulls side aren't off to nearly as good of a start as he would probably like. Grade: B-

Sean Johnson:

Has somehow lost his starting position to a shaky Matt Lampson, of all people. SeanJon needs to do himself a favor and get out of Chicago. Grade: D