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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

For U.S., roster spots up for grabs in match vs Peru

 (Associated Press)

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