WASHINGTON, D.C. - D.C. United announced today its long-time midfielder, Ben Olsen, has been named to the U.S. Men's National Team roster that will face Jamaica on April 11. The World Cup tune-up will take place in Cary, NC next Tuesday and be broadcast on espn2 (kickoff at 7 p.m. ET).
"Ben continues to be in great form and we wish him well in the Jamaica friendly," said United Technical Diretor Dave Kasper.
The 18-man roster is made up entirely of players from Major League Soccer, with the exception of John O'Brien, who is currently out of contract.
Olsen took part in the U.S. Team's January training camp and has seen time in five matches (two starts) in 2006, totaling 166 minutes on the pitch. He scored a goal in America's 4-0 victory over Guatemala on February 19. During his career, Olsen has made 32 total appearances with the full U.S. team, including 10 appearances during 2000. He was on the field 23 times for the Black-and-Red (22 starts) in 2005, contributing two goals and four assists.
The full roster:
Goalkeepers (2) - Tony Meola (New York Red Bulls), Matt Reis (New England Revolution) Defenders (5) - Chris Albright (Los Angeles Galaxy), Nick Garcia (Kansas City Wizards), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus Crew), Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado Rapids), Eddie Pope (Real Salt Lake)
Midfielders (7) - Clint Dempsey (New England Revolution), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy), Pat Noonan (New England Revolution), John O'Brien (out of contract), Ben Olsen (D.C. United), Steve Ralston (New England Revolution), Kerry Zavagnin (Kansas City Wizards)
Forwards (4) - Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Eddie Johnson (Kansas City Wizards), Taylor Twellman (New England Revolution), Josh Wolff (Kansas City Wizards)
