Donovan, Howard missing for U.S. against Slovakia

CHICAGO (AP) -- Forward Landon Donovan will be among those missing when the United States plays Slovakia in an international friendly on Saturday.

The Los Angeles Galaxy player will instead be with his club team when it faces Houston on Friday in the Major League Soccer playoffs.

United States coach Bob Bradley also bypassed goalkeeper Tim Howard. He instead selected Brad Guzan, Marcus Hahnemann and Troy Perkins on Monday for his 22-man squad. Hahnemann hasn't made an international appearance since October 2007 against Switzerland.

Three of the chosen players are from FC Dallas, including forward Jeff Cunningham, defender Heath Pearce and 22-year-old midfielder Dax McCarty, who has never played for the national team.

Eddie Johnson also was picked. The Fulham forward has 12 goals in 37 international appearances but hasn't played for the national team since a June 2008 World Cup qualifier against Barbados.

The United States began training for the match Monday. After Saturday's game, the first between the United States and Slovakia, the Americans play at Denmark on Nov. 18.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Troy Perkins (Valerenga)

Defenders: Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover), Jimmy Conrad (Kansas City), Clarence Goodson (IK Start), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus), Chad Marshall (Columbus), Heath Pearce (FC Dallas), Jonathan Spector (West Ham)

Midfielders: Michael Bradley (Borussia Moenchengladbach), Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Benny Feilhaber (Aarhus), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Dax McCarty (FC Dallas), Robbie Rogers (Columbus)

Forwards: Jozy Altidore (Hull), Conor Casey (Colorado), Jeff Cunningham (FC Dallas), Eddie Johnson (Fulham)