I asked coach Sigi Schmid the other day if the added time to look at reserves was a benefit, considering the unknown deadline for roster compliance. Here was his response:

"Sometimes it's good just to make decisions and move forward. Our decisions are pretty resolved I think at this point. Obviously it hasn't been announced yet at this stage but that's what we are trying to do, make sure we are ready for when roster compliance does come and try to make sure we are keeping the right mix of players.

So if the team has a good idea what it is doing, why not take a stab at what the opening day roster could look like? Let's assume the same conditions apply (20 seniors, 4 developmentals and some injured-reserve spots).

SENIOR - 20
GK Kasey Keller
GK Chris Eylander
D Leo Gonzalez
D Jhon Kennedy Hurtado
D Patrick Ianni
D Tyrone Marshall
D Jeff Parke
D James Riley
D Tyson Wahl
D Zach Scott
M Nathan Sturgis
M Osvaldo Alonso
M David Estrada
M Brad Evans
M Stephen King
M Steve Zakuani
M/F Roger Levesque
M/F Freddie Ljungberg
F Nate Jaqua
F Fredy Montero

DEVELOPMENTAL - 4
M Sanna Nyassi
M/F Michael Fucito
M/D Lamar Neagle
M/D Jamel Wallace

INJURED RESERVE - 1
D Taylor Graham

Obviously this is just a first-draft projection having only been covering the team for a couple weeks. I can't expect to have the same perspective as the evaluators that have watched these guys for over a year now.

Let's look at certain guys in training that don't make this cut. Terry Boss (from what I've heard, picking the backup goalkeeper might the toughest one to call, my coin flip picked Eylander). Peter Vagenas (makes a lot of money to be running with the reserves as potentially a fourth-choice central midfielder). Ellis McLoughlin (his route to the Sounders FC roster looks very complicated). Derby Carillo (maybe makes the league pool). Kevin Souter (not sure the Scotsman has showed enough to make the team).

But, again, there are 100 other combinations that wouldn't surprise me.

This list doesn't include Miguel Montano, who we haven't seen yet but could enter the picture. FYI, I'm still a little unsure as to how the developmental contracts work. Not positive how the college guys -- Tye Perdido and Michael Seamon -- factor in. I'm also catching up on the international slots, Generation Adidas players, IR moves and all the technical stuff involved in MLS rosters.

I welcome your thoughts in the comments. Let me know if there are some obvious omissions or mistakes.