With barely a month to go before the U.S. national team roster is set for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, U.S. manager Bruce Arena has confirmed there is just a handful of spots still open. For many players -- including Los Angeles Galaxy fullback Chris Albright -- Tuesday's friendly against Jamaica in Cary, N.C., represents their final chance to impress Arena in a national team setting.
"I think it's everybody's last opportunity," said the former University of Virginia standout. "It's the last game before he names the preliminary roster. It's a big opportunity for a lot of the guys, including myself."
Albright seemed to be a star on the rise in U.S. soccer heading into last summer. His speed and athleticism on the right side of the Galaxy defense allowed him to get forward and be dangerous in the Galaxy attack in addition being a gritty defender, two assets that Arena looks for in his fullbacks.
But heading into the CONCACAF Gold Cup last summer, Albright suffered a knee injury in a club match, 100 yards away from his own net, when he made one of his patented runs into the final third of the field. As a result, Albright was left off the U.S. squad that eventually captured the regional title.
Albright got another chance in the winter, as he was invited into the U.S. camp for a series of friendlies. Again, the right back went down with injury, and seemingly missed out again. Then a funny thing happened. The U.S. was trounced by Germany 4-1, and several players saw their chances of making the final roster fall tremendously.
"The best thing Chris (Albright) did was not be available for the Germany game," said Albright's Galaxy teammate, Landon Donovan. "A lot of guys decreased their stock tremendously."
Albright has been blessed with a third lease on his World Cup life -- though a short one seeing how his performance Tuesday night could ultimately be the deciding factor. Still Donovan, who is an obvious lock for the U.S. squad, feels Albright brings a lot to the table.
"He's a soccer player. There aren't enough guys in this league that are soccer players. He understands the game; he knows where the ball should go," said Donovan. "Obviously his athleticism is good, he's fast, he in the prime of his career. He's a guy I think Bruce (Arena) would like to have."
Albright isn't as sure of his appeal, and knows that trying to get inside the head of his former college coach and club coach with D.C. United is a moot point.
"I've learned to shy away from speculation and just go out on the field and do what I can do," said Albright. "The rest is out of my control. You'll drive yourself crazy speculating."
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
