Patience is a virtue, or so they say.  With World Qualifying finished and less than a year until South Africa 2010, it may seem as most of the waiting is over.  But for the U.S. men’s national soccer team and its supporters there is more to wait for now than in the past three years.

Waiting to play:

This is may be the easiest of them all.  Participation in the Confederations Cup and Gold Cup this summer was coined “the summer of soccer” for the Americans.  The summer may have spoiled thee eager and growing fanbase, but summer is over.

Jonathan Bornstein’s 94th minute header to tie Costa Rica seems like ages ago.  The U.S. has not been together since Oct. 14.  That will change soon enough as the U.S. will travel to Europe for two friendly matches, Nov. 14, versus Slovakia and Nov. 18, versus Denmark.

Some supporters question the next American opponents, but facing the  likes of Argentina, England and Spain again is no easy task.

The latest European tour for the U.S. will likely bring some fresh faces to the scene.  Hopely giving its supporters answers to…

Waiting for Edgar Castillo and Jermaine Jones:

The topic has been widely discussed among the U.S. fanbase.  Help is one the way, or so they hope.  Should Castillo recover from a recent leg injury, his call-up for camp appears likely.  But coach Bob Bradley has made much-discussed camp invitations before that failed to ever find their way onto the field.

Aside from Castillo’s play at the next U.S. camp effecting his chances at playing, another factor in this is how deep Bornstein and his Chivas mates can make it in this years MLS playoffs.

The Jones situation is a little more tricky, but comes with what should be a bigger reward.  His injury status rules him out for the upcoming friendly matches.  When the U.S. does schedule more international friendlies, that will give a better time table to the American debut of Jones. 

If all goes well in his recovery, he should be able to find some time in the U.S. camp as well as his Schalke 04, his German club team. 

Jones is undeniably talented, a player that should in all liklihood be starting for Bradley in South Africa, but of course that depends on his health.  And he’s not alone…

Waiting for injuries to heal:

The Jones injury aside, the Yanks injury report has filled up extensively in the last month. 

The near-death car crash involving forward Charlie Davies still sits heavy on the hearts of those in the U.S. soccer community.  Early reports are Davies is recovering quite well, given the circumstances.  His chances at playing in the World Cup are still very slim though. 

Late into the match versus Costa Rica, Oguchi Onyewu fell to the ground, tearing a tendon in his left knee, after attempting to clear a Costa Rican possesion. 

Onyewu will be out of action for four to six months.  His match fitness will be in question, just as it was before the injury, when he is able to return to AC Milan and eventually the national team.

Fellow centerback, Jay DeMerit is currently sidelined with a freak eye injury.  The Watford defender was said to be changing a contact, when the lens cut his eye.  He has already has surgury to replace his infected cornea, but will now likely  be out of action until Febuary. 

The U.S. has taken a serious hit and its doctors are working overtime.

For the supporters match day will be here soon.  The World Cup and a healthy roster…well, that might be awhile.

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