CHICAGO - After a nearly four-year process in which the United States has used 85 players in 59 overall matches, U.S. Men's National Team manager Bruce Arena has selected the 23 players who will represent the United States at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.
Houston Dynamo Brian Ching was one of the four selected forwards to represent the US in this year's FIFA World Cup in Germany. This year Ching will represent the US for the first time, after leading the league in multiple statistical categories so far this season. Ching was also one of the only five MLS players to record a multi-goal game thus far this season.
Brian Ching made his World Cup qualifying debut in style, scoring the equalizer in the 88th minute to deliver the U.S. a valuable road point in the 1-1 draw against Jamaica on Aug. 18, 2004 in Kingston.
"It's a dream come true. It's something I've always liked to achieve ever since I started playing soccer. It's amazing. I'm really excited for this opportunity," said Ching. "It is indeed more pressure but I am looking forward to this challenge," said.
Arena revealed the list, along with 13 alternates, earlier this evening live on ESPN's SportsCenter. The U.S. will head to Germany to compete in its fifth consecutive World Cup finals. The official roster must be submitted to FIFA no later than May 15.
UNITED STATES 2006 FIFA WORLD CUP ROSTER BY POSITION (All-time World Cup Roster Selections)
Goalkeepers (3): Marcus Hahnemann (2006), Tim Howard (2006), Kasey Keller (1990, 1998, 2002, 2006)
Defenders (8): Carlos Bocanegra (2006), Steve Cherundolo (2002, 2006), Jimmy Conrad (2006), Cory Gibbs (2006), Frankie Hejduk (1998, 2002, 2006), Eddie Lewis (2002, 2006), Oguchi Onyewu (2006), Eddie Pope (1998, 2002, 2006)
Midfielders (8): DaMarcus Beasley (2002, 2006), Bobby Convey (2006), Clint Dempsey (2006), Landon Donovan (2002, 2006), Pablo Mastroeni (2002, 2006), John O'Brien (2002, 2006), Ben Olsen (2006), Claudio Reyna (1994, 1998, 2002, 2006)
Forwards (4): Brian Ching (2006), Eddie Johnson (2006), Brian McBride (1998, 2002, 2006), Josh Wolff (2002, 2006)
Arena has also nominated 13 alternates to the squad, who will be available for selection should any injuries occur. In 2002, the U.S. twice had to make roster changes after both Chris Armas and his replacement Greg Vanney were ruled out through injury. After the official 23-man roster is submitted on May 15 to FIFA, a player may only be replaced on the roster as a result of an injury.
U.S. Men's National Team Alternates List - 2006 FIFA World Cup
Goalkeepers (2): Tony Meola (New York Red Bulls), Matt Reis (New England Revolution)
Defenders (3): Chris Albright (Los Angeles Galaxy), Gregg Berhalter (Energie Cottbus), Todd Dunivant (Los Angeles Galaxy)
Midfielders (5): Chris Armas (Chicago Fire), Chris Klein (Real Salt Lake), Pat Noonan (New England Revolution), Steve Ralston (New England Revolution), Kerry Zavagnin (Kansas City Wizards)
Forwards (3): Conor Casey (FSV Mainz), Chris Rolfe (Chicago Fire), Taylor Twellman (New England Revolution)
The team will begin their pre-World Cup training camp May 10 in Cary, N.C., when 20 players are expected to report.
