Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Beckerman to USMNT for Upcoming El Salvador and T&T Matches

Real Salt Lake MF Kyle Beckerman has been named by U.S. Men’s National Team Head Coach Bob Bradley to the roster that will represent the United States in the upcoming CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers, taking place at Beckerman’s Rio Tinto Stadium home on Saturday, Sept. 5 against El Salvador and three days later at Port-au-Spain, Trinidad against Trinidad & Tobago. Due to Real Salt Lake’s bye week, Beckerman is not expected to miss any time for his club, returning in time for the team’s home game on Sat., Sept. 12 against the Chicago Fire.

“Once again, I’m excited to have the chance to represent my country and help us qualify for South Africa,” said the 27-year-old Beckerman, who played 498 minutes and appeared in all six Gold Cup games this summer for Bob Bradley’s squad, starting five games and scoring the equalizer in the critical come-from-behind win over Panama. “The Gold Cup call-up was a total surprise, I’m glad that I performed well enough for the coaches to give me this shot. Wearing the U.S. badge in Rio Tinto Stadium in front of Real Salt Lake’s fans will surely be a special opportunity. I can’t wait for September 5.”

The remainder of Beckerman’s U.S. teammates for Qualifying Match Days 7 and 8 will be announced Thursday, as Bradley’s squad continues its FIFA 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign, where it sits in CONCACAF’s third place after six games. The U.S. and Honduras are tied on 10 points, just two back from leaders Costa Rica who have 12. The Rio Tinto Stadium match commences a crucial stretch for the Americans, who travel to Trinidad & Tobago and Honduras in subsequent games.

“On behalf of Real Salt Lake, we are very proud that Kyle’s strong performance at the Gold Cup was recognized and is now being rewarded by the U.S. Soccer staff,” said RSL General Manager Garth Lagerwey. “We are proud that RSL continues to have its players represent their countries at the highest levels of international soccer, we wish Kyle and the U.S. great success at Rio Tinto Stadium and throughout qualifying, and we appreciate Kyle’s ongoing efforts in trying to lead our team to the MLS postseason.”

CONCACAF WORLD CUP QUALIFYING STANDINGS – through August 13, 2009

Team

MP

W

D

L

GF

GA

Pts

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Costa Rica

6

4

0

2

9

9

12

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Honduras

6

3

1

2

10

6

10

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USA

6

3

1

2

11

8

10

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Mexico

6

3

0

3

8

9

9

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El Salvador

6

1

2

3

6

8

5

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Trinidad and Tobago

6

1

2

3

7

11

5