The phones started ringing at 2 a.m., and players were told to come down to the third floor for a meeting. As Herculez Gomez pressed the elevator button on 17, his mind raced. Were his dreams about to be fulfilled - or crushed?

American players lingered on the field, waving to adoring red-white-and-blue clad fans. They hope to be making a similar victory lap when games count next month.

The phones started ringing at 2 a.m., and players were told to come down to the third floor for a meeting. As Herculez Gomez pressed the elevator button on 17, his mind raced. Were his dreams about to be fulfilled - or crushed?

One thing the central defense has in common as the U.S. team prepares for the World Cup is injuries. That's the last thing the Americans need.

U.S. captain Carlos Bocanegra says he'll be ready for next week's World Cup training camp after a late-season injury had him fearing for his place in the roster.

Charlie Davies, the forward who was convinced he could recover from a shattering car crash in time for the World Cup, fell short of making the 30-man preliminary U.S. roster for the tournament.

Now that Charlie Davies won't be playing for the U.S. soccer team in South Africa, coach Bob Bradley must figure out his starting forwards.