Given the strength and influence of club soccer in the United States and the advent of the residency program in Bradenton, Fla., a surprising number of American players that will take the field for the World Cup in South Africa played extensively for high school teams.
Here is a state-by-state look at the high-school highlights of the 23-man roster set to take the field Saturday against England at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Phokeng;
Arizona
Robbie Findley (Forward, 24 years of age): A two-time All-State selection at Shadow Mountain (Phoenix, Ariz.) before moving on to Oregon State University and Real Salt Lake.
Landon Donovan on the pitch in South Africa earlier this week.
Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
Jonathan Bornstein (Defender, 25): Led Los Alamitos (Los Alamitos, Calif.) to a CIF state title in 2002, piling up 23 goals and 16 assists during the championship season.
Carlos Bocanegra (Defender, 31): A star in soccer and football – and not just as a kicker – at Alta Loma (Alta Loma, Calif.). Bocanegra was a standout receiver, punt returner and defensive back for the Braves in addition to kicking and punting duties.
Steve Cherundolo (Defender, 31): Attended Mt. Carmel (San Diego, Calif.), but his youth career was dominated by success with the San Diego Nomads club team.
Landon Donovan (Midfielder, 28): All-time leading scorer for United States in international player was an All-American at Redlands East Valley (Redlands, Calif.) before joining inaugural residency program class in Bradenton, Fla.
Maurice Edu (Midfielder, 24): Piled up 35 goals and 33 assists during an All-American career at Etiwanda (Etiwanda, Calif.).
Benny Fielhaber (Midfielder, 25): Slid under the radar despite leading Northwood (Irvine, Calif.) to a state title in 2002. Walked-on at UCLA.
Florida
Jozy Altidore (Forward, 20): Attended Boca Prep (Boca Raton, Fla.) but was scooped up by the US residency program at age 15 and turned professional at 16.
Georgia
Ricardo Clark (Midfielder, 27): Compiled an extensive resume at St. Pius X Catholic (Atlanta, Ga.), winning two state titles and earning Georgia player of the year honors in 2001.
Illinois
Michael Bradley (Midfielder, 23): Attended St. Viator (Arlington Heights, Ill.) while father and US National Team coach Bob Bradley coached the Chicago Fire. Eventually moved on to Bradenton.
Brad Guzan (Goalkeeper, 25): Played four seasons at Providence Catholic (New Lenox, Ill.) and earning All-State honors before moving on to the University of South Carolina and Aston Villa of the English Premier League.
Jonathan Spector (Defender, 24): Helped St. Viator (Arlington Heights, Ill.) reach the Class A state title game in 2000 and 2003, winning a title as a senior.
Indiana
DaMarcus Beasley (Midfielder, 28): Played for two years at South Side (Fort Wayne, Ind.) before moving on to Bradenton. Also played varsity basketball for the Archers.
Maryland
Oguchi Onyewu (Defender, 28): Played parts of three seasons at Sherwood (Sandy Spring, Md.) before moving on to residency program in Bradenton as a senior.
Nevada
Hercules Gomez (Forward, 28): Las Vegas High School (Las Vegas, Nev.) product stands in stark contrast to fellow Wildcat Bryce Harper, who was picked No. 1 by the Washington Nationals in Monday's MLB Draft. Gomez is the ultimate underdog of the United States team after being unable to find a job in the MLS following the 2009 season.
New Jersey
Tim Howard (Goalkeeper, 31): English Premier League 'keeper Left Montclair Kimberley Academy (Montclair, N.J.) for North Brunswick (North Brunswick, N.J.), where he led the Raiders to the state championship game as a senior – in basketball.
New York
Edson Buddle (Forward, 29): A virtual unknown coming out of Port Chester (Port Chester, N.Y.), Buddle has defied the odds to become a prolific scorer in the MLS and earn a spot on the National Team.
Texas
Clint Dempsey (Midfielder, 27): It's a long way to the English Premier League from Nacogdoches (Nacogdoches, Texas), where the current Fulham standout played three seasons and recorded 55 goals and 23 assists.
Stuart Holden (Midfielder, 24): Played at Awty International (Houston, Texas), leading the Rams to a pair of TAPPS (Texas private schools) state title games before a brief stint at Clemson.
Jose Torres (Midfielder, 22): Plucked from Longview (Longview, Texas) following junior year to play for Mexican professional club Pachuca. Scored 31 goals and 39 assists in his abbreviated Longview High School career.
Virginia
Clarence Goodson (Defender, 28): Attended both Annandale (Annandale, Va.) and Woodson (Fairfax, Va.), helping the latter win a state title in 2000.
Washington
Marcus Hahnemann (Goalkeeper, 37): English Premier Leaguer was a standout in goal at both Newport (Bellevue, Wash.) and Kentridge (Kent, Wash.).
Wisconsin
Jay DeMerit (Defender, 30): Attended Bay Port (Green Bay, Wis.) and was a three-sport standout for the Pirates, starring in basketball and track and field in addition to soccer.
