The 23-man U.S. World Cup roster was released on Thursday and one surprising name was missing from the list, Landon Donovan.
The six other players left off the list, according to Yahoo Sports are: Brad Evans, Clarence Goodson, Michael Parkhurst, Maurice Edu, Joe Corona and Terrence Boyd.
While U.S. fans might be surprised that coach Jurgen Klinnsmann left the 32-year-old LA Galaxy star off the team, Donovan himself seemed to think it was a possibility earlier in the week when he spoke ahead of practice on Monday, reports MLS Soccer. "For me personally, I liken it to 2002."
Donovan continued, "In 2006 and 2010 I knew for the most part, unless I was awful, that I was going to make the team. This time it's more similar to '02, when I wasn't sure. In that way, it's as competitive for me as it's been in a long time."
He noted that the coaches would have a difficult time determining who would miss the 23-player cut.
Last Monday, Donovan made the initial 30-man roster, even as other names failed to show up, including forward Eddie Johnson, who enjoyed a decent run as the U.S. worked to earn another World Cup berth.
U.S. World Cup roster:
Goalkeepers: Tim Howard, Nick Rimando, Brad Guzan
Defenders: DaMarcus Beasely, Matt Besler, John Brooks, Geoff Cameron, Timmy Chandler, Omar Gonzalez, DeAndre Yedlin, Fabian Johnson
Midfielders: Kyle Beckerman, Alejandro Bedoya, Michael Bradley, Brad Davis, Mix Diskerud, Julian Green, Jermaine Jones, Graham Zusi
Forwards: Jozy Altidore, Clint Dempsey, Aron Johansson, Chris Wondolowski