HOUSTON, TX - Houston Dynamo forward Brian Ching and midfielder Ricardo Clark have been named to the 23-man roster of the U.S. Men's National Team that will seek to defend the championship it obtained in the 2005 Gold Cup, it was announced today.
Both players will depart for Los Angeles on Monday, June 4 after the team's scheduled contest against FC Dallas.
"I am very happy for them both, as the call-up is well-deserved," said Dynamo head coach Dominic Kinnear. "I'm sure that both Ricardo and Brian will do their best to not only represent their country, but also to bring home another championship in this regional tournament."
Just as in 2006, Ching has been a pivotal piece of the offensive puzzle for the Dynamo, having converted two of the team's four goals scored so far this season. Clark, on the other hand, continues to be one of Bob Bradley's most consistent call-ups, having most recently played with the national team against Mexico in front of a sell-out crowd at University of Phoenix Stadium in Phoenix, Arizona.
"As I have said, winning the Gold Cup is our most important priority this year, and I believe we have assembled a team capable of doing that," said Bradley. "We have a very good blend of talent, youth and experience. This is a great opportunity to continue to secure our place as one of the top teams in the region, as well as obtain valuable experience as we progress toward World Cup qualifying in 2008."
Upon arrival, the 23-man group will prepare for their friendly game against China on June 2 in San Jose, Calif. Kickoff at Spartan Stadium is set for 5 p.m. PT. The match will be broadcast live on ESPN2 and Galavisión. Fans can also follow the match live on ussoccer.com's MatchTracker. A separate roster for the game against China will likely be announced early next week.
ROSTER BY POSITION
Goalkeepers (3) - Brad Guzan (Chivas USA), Tim Howard (Everton FC), Kasey Keller (Borussia Moenchengladbach)
Defenders (8) -Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham FC), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Jay DeMerit (Watford FC), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus Crew), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard de Liege), Michael Parkhurst (New England Revolution), Frank Simek (Sheffield Wednesday), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United)
Midfielders (8) - DaMarcus Beasley (PSV Eindhoven), Michael Bradley (SC Heerenveen), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Clint Dempsey (Fulham FC), Benny Feilhaber (Hamburger SV), Justin Mapp (Chicago Fire), Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado Rapids), Steve Ralston (New England Revolution)
Forwards (4) - Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy), Eddie Johnson (Kansas City Wizards),Taylor Twellman (New England Revolution)
