An important part of the defensive options open to USA coach Bob Bradley, this Californian left back played in six 2010 World Cup qualifiers and scored an important goal in the 2-2 draw against Costa Rica last October.

Bornstein started his career as a forward, but he was transformed into a full back by the coach now in charge of the national team once he became a Chivas player. The switch has served him well as it has allowed him to develop into a highly-rated performer, with his name regularly linked with a move to the European leagues.

He hails from a mixture of Mexican and Jewish heritage and he is well known for his superstitions. The 2006 MLS Rookie of the Year likes to put his left boot on first before games and is also reported to have a turkey sandwich before each game.