MLS: 13 called up for USMNT duty

Forwards, midfielders, defenders, and even a goalkeeper have all been called up from the MLS to the United States Men’s National Team by Jurgen Klinsmann

Earlier this week United States Men’s National Team manager Jurgen Klinsmann released his 26-man roster that will be participating in two major matches against Guatemala of the semifinal round for the World Cup Qualifying tournament in Miami.

15 of the 26 players were part of the 2014 World Cup team who only made it out of the group stage before being beaten by Belgium. On the roster you will also find a handful of MLS fan favorites joining the team as they are called up by Klinsmann for international duties.

David Bingham, Steve Birnbaum, John Brooks, Lee Nguyen, Christ Wondolowski, William Yarbrough, and Ethan Finlay are the young names who will get the chance to appear in their first qualifier match next week. Bingham, Birnbaum, and Finlay are joining the 13-player MLS contingent for the United States’ squad after participating in and leaving a lasting impression at the USMNT’s January camp. They will be a great addition to the team for their World Cup campaign.

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The MLS will be well represented in the forward and midfielder positions; of the 13 forward and midfielder athletes called up, 10 play in the MLS. If fans find themselves watching the qualifying matches they will see Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Michael Bradley (Toronto FC), Mix Diskerud (New York City FC), Finlay (Columbus Crew SC), Darlington Nagbe (Portland Timbers FC), Lee Nguyen (New England Revolution), Jozy Altidore (Toronto FC), Clint Dempsey (Settle Sounders FC), Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes) and Gyasi Zardes (LA Galaxy).

Wondolowski already has three goals to his name in the MLS season and will be a great attacking feature for the United States who are 15-4-6 in their all-time record against Guatemala. As for Dempsey, the legend himself is making a return to the United States’ team after missing the first two qualifiers late last year. The pair alongside the rest of the forwards will give the United States some of the best power on the front line giving USA their best chance at advancing.

In defense, MLS fans will find three of their own playing with the crest on their chest. Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City) and Steve Birnbaum (D.C. United) being led by Bingham (San Jose Earthquakes) in the goal. Bingham will likely see little playing time since he joins a roster that already has three other goalkeepers; one of which is the legendary Tim Howard who recently announced that he will be returning to the MLS in the summer and playing for the Colorado Rapids.

The United States is currently preparing to play in Guatemala City on Friday against Guatemala who has not been successful in beating the U.S. in a World Cup qualifying game yet. Not only is the U.S. undefeated in World Cup qualifying matches against Guatemela, but they are currently on a 21-game win streak which is the longest run for the United States against any international opponent.

Though only 23 of the 26 on the roster are going to be able to suit up on game day, Klinsmann is bringing a bigger roster to the tournament in hopes to get an idea of where some of the younger players stand before having to decide on a roster for the Copa America.

The United States will play on March 25 at 10 pm ET; fans can catch the game on beIN Sport and NBC Universo. Following their Friday match, the team will play March 29 at 7 pm ET; fans can find the game on ESPN2, UniMas, and Univision Deportes.