Matthew Doyle: Tony Cascio Could Have Made USMNT Roster Over Connor Lade

There was plenty of MLS flavor on Jurgen Klinsmann's January US Men's National Team roster, including Colorado Rapids striker Edson Buddle. Lots of youngsters and first-timers were called up onto the team, as well.

The only real point of contention was New York Red Bulls defender/midfielder Connor Lade being placed on the roster. MLS Analyst Matt Doyle didn't like him on the roster, and suggested seven different players that could have been on there instead of Lade. Among them was Rapids rookie Tony Cascio.

7 ahead of Lade: 1) DeLeon, 2) Berry, 3) Cascio, 4) Silva, 5) Hedges, 6) Meara, 7) Villarreal. Plus Creavalle has higher ceiling as fullback

— Matthew Doyle (@MLS_Analyst) January 6, 2013

Cascio showed some skill during the 2012 campaign even as some of his most spectacular plays didn't end as goals or assists. He along with guys like DeLeon and Berry showed quite a bit more than Lade did last year, so it's not surprising to see people asking for the other rookie sensations in the roster.

Of course, it's only the January camp so in the end, it probably doesn't matter all that much.