COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Fabian Johnson took over at right back and Clarence Goodson was inserted into central defense as U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann made major changes to his starting lineup for Tuesday night’s World Cup qualifier against Mexico.
Johnson shifted from midfield to the back line, and Goodson was among four new players inserted into the lineup, joined by midfielders Kyle Beckerman and Alejandro Bedoya, and forward Eddie Johnson.
Tim Howard remained in goal, with Omar Gonzalez joining Goodson in central defense and DaMarcus Beasley at left back. Jermaine Jones and Beckerman were in the defensive midfield in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Bedoya, Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan ahead of them. Johnson was the lone forward.
Klinsmann was forced to make changes because of suspensions to defender Matt Besler, midfielder Geoff Cameron and forward Jozy Altidore caused by yellow card accumulation. In addition, midfielder Michael Bradley is sidelined with a sprained ankle.
