WASHINGTON, D.C. - D.C. United midfielder Brian Carroll has been called into the U.S. Men's National Team camp by head coach Bruce Arena, in preparation for the team's final World Cup qualifier versus Panama. The U.S. team, who clinched a berth in Germany with a 2-0 win over Mexico on September 3, wrap up the qualifying round in Foxboro, Mass. this Wednesday, October 12. Santino Quaranta, who came on as a second half sub in Saturday's 3-0 loss to Costa Rica, will remain with the team, as well.
"Brian has been a big part of our success over the past two seasons," said United Technical Director, Dave Kasper. "He has worked hard to become one of the top holding midfielders in MLS and this call-up is a terrific reward for him. We wish him the best of luck with this opportunity."
The call-up is Carroll's first with the full U.S. Men's Team, though, the 24-year old was a mainstay with the U-20 and U-23 National Teams. Carroll is the only United player to have seen time in every MLS game in 2005. He has a goal and three assists on the campaign and currently has the longest current consecutive games played streak in MLS at 61 games.
Quaranta has made seven appearances for the U.S. Men in 2005, primarily on the right side of midfield. He saw time in four games during the team's Gold Cup championship run and has seen the field in three World Cup qualifiers, including the last 10 minutes of the World Cup-clinching 2-0 win over Mexico. In all, he has been on the field for 275 minutes and has one assist. For United in 2005, Quartanta has been one of the team's most dangerous players. He has five goals and five assists in 18 total games (13 starts). Three of his five goals have been game-winners, tied for most on the team.
