SAN JOSE, Calif. – San Jose Earthquakes forward Chris Wondolowski reported to U.S. Men’s National Team camp in Orlando, Fla., on Sunday as he aims to make the 23-player squad that will compete in three friendlies and two 2014 World Cup qualifiers from May 26 to June 12.
Wondolowski has been on a tear to start the 2012 MLS campaign. He became the fastest player to 10 goals in MLS history, reaching double digits in San Jose’s ninth game. The two-time league-leading goal scorer tops the Budweiser Golden Boot standings with 11 in 12 games, one ahead of New York Red Bulls striker Kenny Cooper.
“Wondo has been in terrific form for us and we’re happy to see him called up to the U.S. national team,” said Earthquakes head coach Frank Yallop. “Hopefully he’ll continue his success from our league onto the international level and put a few in the back of the net for Jurgen Klinsmann’s squad.”
Klinsmann’s camp convened on May 15 with a group of internationally-based players reporting to Orlando. Eleven more were added to the roster on Sunday. From the 27 players in camp, 23 will be selected on May 25 for a series of five matches, including CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers against Antigua & Barbuda and Guatemala (full schedule below).
After breaking through with his first national team appearance on Jan. 22, 2011 against Chile, Wondolowski has earned seven career caps for the Americans. Most recently, he participated in Klinsmann’s January 2012 camp, which culminated with matches against Venezuela on Jan. 21 and Panama on Jan. 25.
“Chris has been terrific this season and he deserves to get his chance on the international stage. Any time you get to suit up for your country, it’s a major honor,” said Earthquakes general manager John Doyle.
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Jurgen Klinsmann on Wondo and other MLSers in Camp:
“Graham Zusi left a very strong impression in the January camp. Geoff Cameron is a guy that is really knocking at the door, with a very strong January camp but also very strong performances for Houston. You have Chris Wondolowski who is scoring and scoring. This is what he loves to do and his attitude and his spirit is just great for a team to have.”
Chris Wondolowski with U.S. Men’s National Team
Jan. 22, 2011 – vs. Chile at The Home Depot Center, started and played 60 minutes
June 4, 2011 – vs. Spain at Gillette Stadium, played 45 minutes as a sub
June 7, 2011* – vs. Canada at Ford Field, played 26 minutes as a sub
June 11, 2011* – vs. Panama at Raymond James Stadium, played 12 minutes as a sub
June 14, 2011* – vs. Guadeloupe at Livestrong Sporting Park, started and played 64 minutes
Jan. 21, 2012 – vs. Venezuela at University of Phoenix Stadium, played 28 minutes as a sub
Jan. 25, 2012 – vs. Panama at Estadio Rommel Fernandez, started and played 55 minutes
* 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup
Updated U.S. Roster by Position
GOALKEEPERS (3): Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)
DEFENDERS (8): Carlos Bocanegra (Rangers), Geoff Cameron (Houston Dynamo), Edgar Castillo (Club Tijuana), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96), Clarence Goodson (Brondby), Alfredo Morales (Hertha Berlin), Oguchi Onyewu (Sporting Lisbon), Michael Parkhurst (Nordsjaelland)
MIDFIELDERS (9): Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Michael Bradley (Chievo Verona), Joe Corona (Club Tijuana), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim), Jermaine Jones (Schalke 04), Jose Torres (Pachuca), Danny Williams (Hoffenheim), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City)
FORWARDS (7): Juan Agudelo (Chivas USA), Jozy Altidore (AZ Alkmaar), Terrence Boyd (Borussia Dortmund), Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy), Herculez Gomez (Santos), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)
U.S. Men’s National Team Schedule
^May 26 – U.S. vs. Scotland at EverBank Field (Jacksonville, Fla.), 5 p.m. PT on NBC Sports / Galavision
^May 30 – U.S. vs. Brazil at FedExField (Landover, Md.), 5 p.m. PT on ESPN2 / ESPN3 / TeleFutura
^June 3 – U.S. vs. Canada at BMO Field (Toronto, Canada), 4 p.m. PT on NBC Sports / Univision Deportes
June 8 – U.S. vs. Antigua & Barbuda at Raymond James Stadium (Tampa, Fla.), 4 p.m. PT on ESPN / ESPN3 / Galavision
June 12 – U.S. vs. Guatemala at Estadio Mateo Flores (Guatemala City, Guatemala), 6 p.m. PT
^ International friendly
* CONCACAF World Cup qualifier
