SAN JOSE - Four San Jose Earthquakes players have been named to the United States National Team's roster for the Saturday, October 8 World Cup Qualifying match against Costa Rica in San Jose, Costa Rica. Forward Brian Ching, midfielder Ricardo Clark and defenders Danny Califf and Wade Barrett will all be a part of the U.S. team that plays Costa Rica at 6:00 p.m. PT at Estadio Ricardo Saprissa. The game will be aired on tape delay at 7:00 p.m. PT on ESPN2.
United States National Team head coach Bruce Arena will announce the U.S. roster for the October 12 game against Panama at a later date. The four Quakes players are scheduled to miss San Jose's final home game on October 8 against Real Salt Lake.
Ching, 27, makes his return to the national team after missing significant time in 2005 with a hamstring injury. In 2004, Ching emerged as an important forward for the national team, appearing in four games, including three World Cup qualfiers. Ching scored two goals in World Cup Qualifying, finding the back of the net against El Salvador on September 4, 2004 and Jamaica on August 18, 2004. Ching has made eight appearances for the national team. This year, Ching has seven goals and four assists in 15 games for San Jose.
Califf, 25, has made 12 appearances for the national team, last playing 16 minutes in a 1-1 tie against Haiti on March 16, 2004 where he scored his first international goal. Califf started and played in nine games for the U.S. in 2003, appearing in the CONCACAF Gold Cup and Confederations Cup. Califf made his international debut on January 19, 2002 against South Korea. Since joining the Quakes in a pre-season trade, Califf has strengthened the Quakes back line, as San Jose has allowed the fewest goals in the league. He has played 19 games and scored two goals.
Barrett, the Earthquakes captain, is making his first appearance with the national team since 2002. The 29-year old returned to the Quakes in 2005 after playing in Denmark and Norway in 2003-2004 and has started every game at left back for San Jose, helping the Quakes defense become one of the best in the league. Barrett made his only appearance for the U.S. on November 17, 2002 against El Salvador.
Clark, 22, has enjoyed a breakout year in 2005 for San Jose since joining the Quakes in an off-season trade with the MetroStars. The midfielder has three goals and two assists in 28 games for the Quakes, while powering the team to the top record in the Western Conference. Clark has never been called into camp with the U.S. National Team, but has played in the U.S. youth system, appearing in five games for the U.S. Under-20 team at the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championships. Clark was also a member of the Under-23 National Team in 2004.
