It's an unusual camp for the USMNT, though I suppose "unusual" has become the norm under Jurgen Klinsmann. US Soccer says these games are part of the program's Gold Cup preparations, yet scheduled two matches against Denmark and Switzerland (two sides that aren't often compared stylistically or otherwise to CONCACAF opponents). Meanwhile, the US under-23s and under-20s are also around so Klinsmann can moonlight as the USSF's technical director.
There are also the now customary set of new faces, though in some cases "new" means "recalled after a long absence/position change." Brek Shea is in camp as a left back, while Danny Williams has been called up for the first time in seemingly forever. The actual new faces - Ventura Alvarado and William Yarbrough - are both being called in from Liga MX clubs. Meanwhile, youngsters like Rubio Rubin and Gyasi Zardes will get another shot to impress at the highest level. It's hard to know what to expect, which at this point in the Klinsmann era is not really a surprise at all.
Key player: Alejandro Bedoya
One of the rare players that Jurgen Klinsmann isn't going to misuse any time soon, Bedoya has become just about the most reliable attacking player in the current USMNT pool. Playing a Denmark team featuring some dangerous players like Christan Eriksen, the US can't afford to simply sit back and absorb pressure. Giving Denmark something to worry about going forward is a great way to force them back and help hide the fact that, for mysterious reasons, the US goal may be protected by guys like Michael Orozco-Fiscal or William Yarbrough.
With Clint Dempsey withdrawing due to injury, there isn't much creativity in the squad. Therefore, I think Bedoya has to have a very good game for the USMNT to produce a good showing that gives us some reason to feel positive.
Key question: Can someone emerge as a contender to start at center back?
Matt Besler has thus far in 2015 looked like the guy that ended 2014 as roughly America's 20th best central defender. With him, Omar Gonzalez, and Geoff Cameron all out of this squad, there's a wide open opportunity for the three center backs that made the trip.
John Brooks might be able to boost his standing, but for me the interesting prospect is Tim Ream. Ream is a regular with Bolton now, and he's the natural competition for Besler. It would be great to see him put forward a legitimate candidacy for further looks, because you can't build a great possession teams without defenders who can pass with confidence. Michael Orozco-Fiscal is there as well, but unless he has improved tremendously since we last saw him I think this issue is mostly about Brooks and Ream.
Match date/time: Wednesday 3/25, 8:00pm local, 3:00pm EST
Venue: NRGi Park (Aarhus)
TV: ESPN (English), UniMas (Spanish), Univision Deportes (Spanish)
Online: WatchESPN (English), Univision Deportes En Vivo (Spanish)