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          U.S. Russia Board 4.0: Zardes rising

          Mix Diskerud, Jozy Altidore and John Brooks figure to play key roles for the USMNT in 2018. AP Images, Getty Images
          • Doug McIntyre, ESPN Staff WriterFeb 9, 2015, 11:00 AM ET
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              Doug McIntyre is a staff writer for ESPN The Magazine. He has covered American and international soccer since 2002.
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          CARSON, Calif. -- Following his breakout performance in Sunday's 2-0 win here against Panama, Gyasi Zardes fully deserves his spot on our latest projection of the U.S. national team's roster for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. But don't just take our word for it. Take two-time Cup vet Michael Bradley's instead: