FC Dallas defender Zach Loyd has been named as a replacement on the United States roster for the team's matchup against Mexico next week in Philadelphia, replacing injured defender Timothy Chandler.
Chandler suffered a knee injury with German side FC Nürnberg earlier this week ahead of the club's Bundesliga season opener this weekend. Considered one of the rising stars of the US defensive corps, Chandler earned his first cap while playing 45 minutes of the Americans' 1-1 draw against Argentina at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.
But now the nod goes to the MLS youngster Loyd, who made his international debut to solid reviews during the US' 1-1 draw against Chile in January at the Home Depot Center. He has struggled to crack a crowded defensive group ever since, but has proven to be an essential part of the FC Dallas defense in just his second season in the league.
Loyd has started 19 games for head coach Schellas Hyndman's group this season, anchoring an FCD back line that boasts a league-best 12 shutouts so far in 2011.
The second-year player out of the University of North Carolina becomes the eighth MLS player on new head coach Jurgen Klinsmann's 22-man roster for the match, which takes place on Aug. 10 at Lincoln Financial Field (9 pm ET, ESPN2/Univisión).
