Jozy, Olympian. Hunter, Not.

By: Dave Martinez | July 17th, 2008

No shocker at all, but Coach Nowak announced his Olympic roster, including the likes of Jozy Altidore, Brian McBride, Freddy Adu, Brad Guzan and Michael Parkhurst. The Offside took part in the press conference this afternoon, with your humble blogger as your representative. Great stuff.

First off, great stuff for Jozy Altidore, as he continues to make his stock rise. But I must admit, I was a bit shocked at the exclusion of Dax McCarty and Hunter Freeman. McCarty, who has been a huge catalyst for this squad, has been put on the alternate list due to an injury he is recovering from. So I do understand where Nowak is coming from - he wants no damaged goods heading in.

Hunter Freeman, on the other hand, has been omitted all together. With 7 midfielders and 5 defensemen being named to the first squad, the need for versatility, as Coach Nowak stated, was very important.

Then why not take Hunter? Under Nowak, he has played at the left back position, the categoric opposite of the right. And he did so with lots of class and ambition. In his natural right position, his crosses can be dangerous, and he is able to translate his game to the midfield as well. Freeman is strong on the ball, and fearless in attack.

The omission may have been one of necessity - the midfield is certainly stacked, and versatile players like Edu and Wynne may have made Freemans exile a foregone conclusion. But its my humble opinion that, minus the blinding speed, Hunter Freeman offers more than a Marvell Wynne would.

Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to ask why he was left off. Maybe another day.

What are your thoughts? Excited about seeing Jozy represent the US this summer? Annoyed at Hunter Freemans exclusion? Share your thoughts!

*Credit Red Bulls Reader for that awesome Jozy pic*