There has been no shortage of German-Americans on the US national team since Jurgen Klinsmann was appointed head coach, and there might soon be another to add to the list.
According to a report out of Germany last week, Klinsmann has approached Hamburg central midfielder Ashton Gotz (above, left) about the possibility of suiting up for the US. Gotz, 21, is a dual national who as born in Germany to an American father, and has been with HSV since 2011.
Gotz – who is also capable of playing as a right back and is currently teammates with US winger Julian Green – made his first-team debut for Hamburg earlier this season. He has made nine Bundesliga appearances in total for the relegation-threatened club, with five of those coming as a starter.
When reached for comment by MLSsoccer.com about the report, a US Soccer spokesperson confirmed that Gotz was a player that the US staff has scouted several times in person and that there has been contact between the two parties. In order for Gotz to play for the US, he would have to confirm his eligibility – a process that is ongoing. Gotz has not represented Germany at the youth international level.
If Gotz elects to represent the US, he could potentially be called in as early as next month when the Americans have a European campe that includes friendlies vs. Denmark and Switzerland.
