The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that midfielder Arturo Alvarez, forward Ryan Johnson and forward Cornell Glen have been called up to their national teams for international friendlies. The three will miss the Earthquakes game Saturday, Oct. 9 against D.C. United, but will be back and available for selection for the game on Saturday, Oct. 16 against the Houston Dynamo at 7 p.m. at Buck Shaw Stadium. Alvarez was named to El Salvador’s roster for their friendlies on Oct. 8 against Panama and Oct. 12 against Costa Rica. Johnson has been named to the roster for the Jamaican national team for their international friendly against Trinidad and Tobago in the National Soccer Stadium on Oct. 10. Johnson will take on Quakes teammate Glen in that match, as he will represent Trinidad and Tobago.
Alvarez has made eight appearances for El Salvador, making his debut on Aug. 12, 2009 in a World Cup qualifier against Trinidad and Tobago. His last appearance came in an international friendly on Sept. 7 against Guatemala. The Houston native scored five goals and tallied a pair of assists in 23 matches in 2009 for the San Jose Earthquakes in his first full season since being re-acquired in 2008. He has scored three goals so far in 2010, including a game-winner in the 90th minute against the Philadelphia Union before a stunned crowd at PPL Park.
Johnson has appeared in eight matches for his country, scoring twice, his first in a friendly against Argentina back in January of this year and his second against Costa Rica on Sept. 5 in a 1-0 friendly win. The Kingston-born Johnson made his international debut on April 12, 2006 in a friendly with the United States. He last appeared for the Reggae Boyz on Sept. 7 against Peru. The 2009 season was a breakout season for Johnson, his second with San Jose. He led the team in goals with 11 in 30 appearances. Johnson won the team’s offensive most valuable player award. He has appeared in 24 matches, making 16 starts in 2010 and has scored one goal and tallied a career-high six assists.
Glen has made 59 appearances and has scored 23 goals for Trinidad and Tobago. His last appearance was in a World Cup qualifier on Sept. 9 against the United States. He has scored one goal in his 19 appearances this year for San Jose. In 2009, his first year with the club, Glen scored four goals and had one assist in 12 matches.
