D.C. United defender Ezra Hendrickson was chosen again to the roster of St. Vincent and The Grenadines's national team as they conclude their semi-final round qualifying schedule for World Cup 2006 against Trinidad and Tobago, Wednesday, November 17th in Port of Spain. He will depart for training with the national side immediately following MLS Cup 2004.
"We wish Ezra the best of luck in this final qualifying match against Trinidad and Tobago," said Dave Kasper, D.C. United Technical Director.
Hendrickson has been central to Vincy Heat's success throughout the qualifying process, as he has worn the captain's armband in each of seven matches. He was instrumental in the team's 6-3 aggregate victory over Nicaragua to advance to the semi-final round and has eased the transition for new coach Zoran Vranes. Hendrickson currently has 54 caps for St. Vincent and The Grenadines.
This is the third consecutive time that St. Vincent and the Grenadines have advanced to the semi-final round of qualifying, but the first time they have been able to taste victory. Indeed, their two victories over St. Kitts and Nevis leave them within striking distance of a second-place finish at six points, behind Trinidad's nine, but advancing is a tall order. Only a three-goal margin of victory will put St. Vincent and The Grenadines through to the final round.
Hendrickson struck the net early in his tenure with the Black-and-Red, nodding home a goal against Nottingham Forest on July 14th. In his 12 League regular-season appearances, eight of which have been starts, he has yet to tally a goal, but has added needed depth to the United defensive line and a spark to the attack. Hendrickson has continued to prove himself an able replacement for Ryan Nelsen, marshaling the United defensive unit in his absence.
The lanky 6'3" defender was drafted by the MetroStars in 1997 and made eight appearances before a trade sent him to the Los Angeles Galaxy. Over the next seven years, he appeared in 145 matches for the Galaxy - including a start in MLS Cup 2002 - tallying 17 goals and adding 26 assists. A July 2003 trade sent Hendrickson to the Dallas Burn, where he made 16 appearances (15 starts), picking up a goal and an assist.
