Nowak trying to shape Olympic roster

As he prepares his roster for the Beijing Summer Games, U.S. Olympic men's soccer coach Peter Nowak finds himself a man caught in the middle.

Not only does he have to determine the best players for the August tournament and talk with some overseas clubs on players' availability, he has to make sure his boss, U.S. national coach Bob Bradley, isn't left without key performers for the country's World Cup qualifier in Guatemala that is scheduled during the Olympic soccer tourney.

An interesting balancing act.

"There are many factors we have to put in the equation," Nowak said in a recent interview.

"We're looking to have the best team possible," he later added, "but we also know in some cases that it is impossible to do it."

It will depend if Nowak has to go from Plan A to Plan B to Plan C or even to Plan D. One extremely important thing to remember is that the Olympics is not an official FIFA playing date, so clubs do not have to surrender their players, whether they're under 23 or not.

Nowak could very well finalize his selections in the next week or so. Rosters must be into FIFA by July 15 and the U.S. is expected to announce its 18-player roster and alternates before that.

Nowak's decision-making process starts with the full national team, which has an Aug. 20 World Cup qualifying date with Guatemala in the USA's very first CONCACAF semifinal match. Nowak, who wears another hat as an assistant national coach under Bradley, understands the full side gets top priority because in World Cup qualifying, every point is considered precious.

"Of course, it's give and take from both teams," Nowak said. "Do we have enough depth to accommodate both teams? We both feel very [good] about the depth we have, especially this for the one game [qualifier] and this is for the three games plus extra additional games [Olympics] if we are going to do well."

At the moment, Nowak said that he plans to go with two goalkeepers, six defenders, six midfielders and four strikers on his roster.

"This configuration can change," he said, indicating that he would seriously consider a players' versatility of being able to play multiple positions. "Who can go where? That's why there's a Plan A, B and C. We're going to see what we're going to get."

The biggest intrigue has been over which three overage players that Nowak will choose. This spring the prevailing thought throughout the U.S. soccer community had goalkeeper Tim Howard, defender Carlos Bocanegra and forward Landon Donovan were the three top candidates. They might want to go to China, but the final decision is out of their control.

Howard plays for Everton in the English Premiership. Howard, whose Everton side kicks off its season Aug. 16 against Blackburn, would love to have a second crack at playing in the Olympics after sitting the bench behind Brad Friedel at the Sydney Summer Games in 2000.

Bocanegra, however, has signed with French Ligue 1 club Rennes. Rennes' season begins vs. Marseille Aug. 8.

"If it's a new club, it's really important for them to be in preseason," Nowak said.

So, the defense needs help and an experienced hand especially since Jonathan Spector, the West Ham United player who was expected to anchor the backline, is out after injuring his hip.

"We all know there are no secrets," Nowak said. "The backline is pretty weakened with injuries ... especially with Jonathan Spector being out for the Olympics."

And then there's Donovan, whom Bradley is likely to call into the first team for what could be a difficult game in Guatemala. The USA's opening three games in China are set for Aug. 7, 10 and 13.

If the U.S. is eliminated in the first round, Donovan could be available for WCQ. But if the Americans pull off a similar surprise as they did in 2000 and reach the medal round, Donovan would be obligated to play with the Olympic team. Given their decisions in the past, it would be surprising if Bradley and Nowak gambled and hoped for Donovan to be available for both teams.

Some new names have surfaced. Since an internationally experienced goalkeeper and someone who has played regularly recently would be the the first choice, Chris Seitz might wind up as the backup. Seitz, the No. 1 netminder during the CONCACAF Olympic qualifying tournament, hasn't played a second in MLS matches with Real Salt Lake this season.

Chivas USA goalkeeper Brad Guzan, who backstopped the U.S.'s two wins against Barbados during World Cup qualifying earlier this month, and 38-year-old Kasey Keller (most recently with Fulham in England), a member of four U.S. World Cup teams, reportedly have been mentioned as possible 'keepers.

"In some cases we do not have the international experience," Nowak said. "But then we can bring in some guys who can provide some guidance to the young kids, overage players, players who play for the national team."

As for potential overage defensive players, no new names have been mentioned at the moment.

If Donovan isn't available up front, 36-year-old Brian McBride (most recently with Fulham), who wants to return to MLS and play with the Chicago Fire, has had his name bandied about as a possible over-23 player throughout the spring. McBride would make a better target man than Donovan.

Nowak said that his plans could change when the European transfer window opened July 1. Whether a newly signed U.S. player is available could very well depend on what is negotiated into a player's contract with his new club.

For example, former MetroStars star midfielder Michael Bradley, who has plied his trade in the Dutch Eredivisie with SC Heerenveen the past three seasons, is likely to sign with a new team (Everton has been among those mentioned). While Bradley wants to participate in the Olympics, it probably would be in his best interests to remain with his new club and try to secure a starting spot.

"We're still considering the options," Nowak said. "Of course, different players have different priorities, which means July 1 the transfer window will open and we'll know more about that as the season progresses."

It could be the same for former Red Bulls forward Jozy Altidore, who has transferred to Villarreal in Spain's La Liga. Altidore said he expected to go to China, but did not say whether it was agreed to in his contract.

So, Nowak might have his work cut out for himself.

"I'm always thinking about that -- relationships ... with the managers of the club," he said. "It's still a two-way street."

The midfield is the deepest and strongest U.S. unit, so don't expect Nowak to use an overage player there. This unit includes Freddy Adu (Benfica, Portugal) and Bradley (if they are available), Maurice Edu (Toronto FC), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA) and Dax McCarty (FC Dallas), plus Stuart Holden (Houston Dynamo) and Eddie Gaven (Columbus Crew).

Nowak isn't expecting any problems with MLS clubs on any domestic-based players he will call into the team.

"Of course, I consider all guys from MLS," he said. "We have a great relationship over there for years. We all know how important it is to treat MLS clubs. We try to accommodate their needs."

But Nowak obviously will want to accommodate his own needs for the team. While soccer is one of myriad sports in the Summer Games, realizes that getting an Olympic medal would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the players and himself.

"I will look to have the best possible team going to the Olympics because we have a chance to advance," Nowak said. "The group is very strong. We're not kidding ourselves when we see our position. In soccer, anything is possible. When we have full strength, then we can deliver some good performances."

Well, that's the key phrase -- full strength. Whether Nowak will be able to put together what he considers to be a full-strength team, it remains to be seen.