SAN JOSE, Calif. – The news that popped up in the e-mail inbox for San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Khari Stephenson’s was as pleasing as it was unexpected.
After a two-year absence, Stephenson had been invited back to the ranks of the Jamaican national team.
Stephenson, who gave a shot of new life to the Quakes’ attack after signing midway through last season, will join the Reggae Boyz in two weeks. Jamaica host Venezuela at Montego Bay on March 25, then face El Salvador two days later in San Salvador.
“I wasn’t expecting it,” Stephenson said of the e-mail notification, which came out of the blue. “I guess it could be that they’re looking at me as the midfielder that they need.”
Stephenson has 26 caps for Jamaica, most of them earned from 2004 through ’06, when he was a regular member of the side. This might be the last chance for the 30-year-old to prove himself to coach Theodore Whitmore as a serious candidate for Jamaica’s roster at this year’s CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament – and potentially beyond.
[inline_node:315673]For his part, Stephenson still isn’t sure how or why he fell out of favor with selectors. It didn’t stem from any problems with Whitmore, since he only took over midway through 2009.
“I definitely feel like I should have been in the mix,” Stephenson said. “There’s no reason how I go from playing all the time, never having a bad game, to not getting called in. But it is what it is.”
What it is for the Quakes is a test of their depth. Stephenson is currently set on San Jose’s first team, playing alongside 2010 Golden Boot winner Chris Wondolowski underneath a target forward in coach Frank Yallop’s new 4-3-3 formation. The Quakes will have to find a suitable replacement for Stephenson in their March 26 road match against MLS Cup finalists FC Dallas.
“It’s always nice to go and play with the national team,” Stephenson said. “It’s always an honor. But at the same time, I’m missing the second game of the season, so it’s kind of bittersweet. Everyone wants to play for their national team, but at the same time, you do have your day job.”
Geoff Lepper covers the Earthquakes for MLSsoccer.com. He can be reached at sanjosequakes@gmail.com. On Twitter: @sjquakes
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