During the Copa America, against the best, most consistently good level of competition the U.S. has played against since the 2014 World Cup, Jurgen Klinsmann rolled out one first-choice defense when he was given the option and no injuries or suspensions forced his hand: Fabian Johnson at left back, a center back pairing of John Brooks and Geoff Cameron, and DeAndre Yedlin at right back. This made sense. All were starters in either England or Germany (even if Johnson plays midfield for ‘Gladbach...I digress). There were signs of real partnership forming between Brooks and Cameron, and given the options Klinsmann brought with him in his final roster, it appeared he was putting the best options on the field.
State of the Union: Defenders
