ORLANDO — In the weeks, days and hours leading to a U.S. men’s national soccer team match, speculation and intrigue about Bruce Arena’s lineup swells among supporters and pundits alike.
Will Christian Pulisic play on the wing or in the middle? Has Jozy Altidore retained striker’s honors? What is the partnership in central defense?
Over the course of Arena’s second coaching reign, the guesswork has spread to goalkeeper, a position that, historically here and abroad, has a definitive hierarchy and stokes little conjecture.
Through World Cup qualifiers and the Gold Cup this year, Arena has alternated between his internationally seasoned candidates, Tim Howard and Brad Guzan.