Breaking the rule I stated yesterday

Here's my+ assessment of where 44 players stand on their chances of going to Germany:

On the Plane:
Claudio Reyna - Captain and in the squad if even close to fully fit.

DaMarcus Beasely - Described as the best player in the squad by coaching staff.

Landon Donovan - Golden boy of US Soccer. Ever present in Qualifying

Kacey Keller - Undisputed Number 1 GK.

Brian McBride - A "Young" 33 and most likely to surpass Wynalda as all time scorer.

Pablo Mastroeni - Defensive mid spot is his to lose.

Steve Cherundolo - Locked down the Right back slot both defensively and going forward.

Eddie Lewis - Tremendous crosser and new position demonstrates Bruce's desire to keep him on the field.

John O'Brien - If fit, he's the only one who can rival Reyna for control and creativity

Oguchi Onyewu - Gets better with every game.

Frankie Hejduk - Versatility across the back line and boundless energy stake his place

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Must fancy their chances:

Ed Johnson - Needs to recapture injury form and scoring rate

Gregg Berhalter - Surprising rise and the best organizer in the defensive ranks

Carlos Bocanegra - Fading due to lack of playing time and injuries

Bobby Convey - Having a remarkable start to his season. It's a different Convey, folks.

Marcus Hahneman - Regular playing time snares him #2 job

Steve Ralston - Not spectacular but until another right winger steps up it's his spot.

Cory Gibbs - Injuries pushing him down, but if healthy almost certain of a spot.

Chris Armas - Most people didn't want him on the squad in '02, but he can still contribute at DM.

Eddie Pope - Once the best US defender of all time, but age and a bad year for RSL have seen young guns overtake him.

Josh Wolff - Forward is thin and Wolff gives speed and dangerous runs--if not finishing

Chris Albright - Did well for himself in recent caps in defense which is very thin at the outsides.

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Bubbling Under

Taylor Twellman - Can't seem to finish at the international level; Kreis '05?

Jeff Cunningham - His game seems to be too simple at this level

Tim Howard - Lack of playing drops him to #3

Clint Dempsy - Needs to step his game up just a level to gain a spot; can he find a position?

Chad Marshall - Strong showing, but too many good players in front of him, unless he goes wide.

Greg Vanney - lack of speed constantly exposed and dead-ball skills not required due to others'

Santino Quaranta - Most likely to steal Ralston's spot, but must do better if he wants to go.

Jimmy Conrad - Too many good players in front of him, but strongest of the outsiders

Brad Davis - Didn't look bad at the Gold Cup but where does he play? The left is too strong.

Pat Noonan - Not enough games at the Gold Cup. Creativity a plus, but lack of speed a big minus.

Kerry Zavagnin - No caps since the semifinal group stage, but DM is thin enough to get a look.

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On the outside looking in:

Tony Sanneh - Attitude is okay, but too old and too slow

Chris Klein - Not gotten a look in a while, but plays a weak position and does so well.

Matt Reis - Current hot MLS GK stands at #4

Eddie Gaven - Poor U20s showing and not showing in MLS; fading quickly.

Clint Mathis - 'nuf said.

Jon Spector - If he gets playing time at Charlton, could stake a late claim to outside back position.

Nick Garcia - Probably least likely of the CBs to gain a spot

Brian Ching - Needs to return from injury in good form.

Conor Casey - Too many injuries and lack of production (Kirovsky '05?)

Ben Olson - Another player looked at for DM, Bruce knows him but didn't show in Gold Cup.

Cobi Jones - No appearances since semifinal round (not even Mexico!) but can play right midfield role that is needed.

Will update this list periodically.