For U.S., roster spots up for grabs in match vs Peru
U.S. center back John Brooks plays in Germany’s top pro league and has even scored a winning goal in a World Cup match. Still, the ferociousness of the competition in July at the CONCACAF Gold Cup surprised him. “It was a completely different game,” Brooks said. “Every game was like a war.” The U.S. performed unevenly in the regional tournament and suffered a disappointing semifinal exit against Jamaica, forcing the Americans into a playoff against Mexico next month for a place at the 2017 Confederations Cup. As a result, Brooks (at right in photo) and other players find themselves with two chances to impress in exhibitions against Peru today in Washington (4:30 p.m., ESPN) and Brazil on Tuesday night as October roster decisions loom. – Associated Press