Kansas City Wizards forward Eddie Johnson and defender Jimmy Conrad have been selected by United States National Team Head Coach Bob Bradley to represent the Red, White and Blue in the upcoming Copa America competition. Copa America, the South American federation's highest competition, begins June 28 for the United States as Bradley's squad takes on perennial power Argentina in Barinas, Venezuela. The United States is placed in Group C with Argentina, Paraguay and Columbia. Twelve teams compete in the tournament: 10 teams from South America and the United States and Mexico from CONCACAF as special invitees.
Johnson and Conrad will serve as experienced players on the roster with 26 and 21 career appearances, respectively. Only five players on Bradley's roster have over 20 appearances. Johnson is also the leading goal scorer for the United States. His 10 career goals are tops on a roster that has scored 25 total goals in international play. Johnson has the third-most caps on the squad, trailing only goalkeeper Kasey Keller (100) and midfielder Ben Olsen (34). Conrad is fifth on the squad with forward Taylor Twellman (24) between him and Johnson. Johnson will remain with the national team following the CONCACAF Gold Cup Championship Game Sunday in Chicago at 1 p.m. CT on Fox Soccer Channel and Univision. The team departs Monday, June 25, for Venezuela. Conrad will depart for Venezuela Monday from Kansas City.
The United States, appearing in Copa America for the first time since 1995, has captured 10 points all-time in the competition. In two prior appearances, the U.S. is 3-2-1 with seven goals scored and five goals allowed. Argentina, the United States' first opponent, holds the best record all-time. The Albicelestes (White and Sky Blues) have captured 353 points in the competition and posted a 107-30-32 record. Argentina has scored 415 goals while allowing only 162 en route to 14 Copa America Championships.
