LA Galaxy’s Gyasi Zardes has been named by U.S. Men's National Team head coach Bruce Arena one of 26 players called into training camp in advance of the USA's decisive World Cup Qualifiers against Panama and Trinidad & Tobago.
"It's a roster we've selected that we believe will give us success in these next two games. We have a pretty balanced roster with experienced players," Arena said. "The players always give the commitment, that's never an issue. The issue is whether we get the results we need, and I think we're positioned to do that. I think if it comes down to where we need four or six points in our last two games, I think that's fine and we'll get it done."
Zardes has previously made four World Cup Qualifying appearances, scoring one goal in those appearances. Overall, the 26 year old has earned 37 USMNT caps and scored six times since his debut in 2015. For club, Zardes has scored 34 goals and added 17 assists in MLS play with the Galaxy throughout his career.
USA-Panama, presented by Volpi Foods, kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Oct. 6 from Orlando City Stadium in Orlando, Fla. [ESPN2, Univision, UDN). Four days later, the U.S. can secure a berth to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in the final match of the Hex against Trinidad & Tobago. Coverage on Oct. 10 from Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva, Trinidad begins at 8 p.m. ET on beIN SPORT and UNIVERSO.
The top three teams in CONCACAF earn an automatic bid for the World Cup, and the United States is poised to collect one of those spots. On Matchday 9, the U.S. hosts Panama which sits one point ahead in the table. The USA is 11-1-6 all-time against Los Canaleros and has never lost to them in World Cup Qualifying, going 5-0-2 in seven matches. Four days later, they visit last-place Trinidad & Tobago.
U.S. ROSTER BY POSITION (Club; WCQ Caps/Goals):
GOALKEEPERS (3): Brad Guzan (Atlanta United FC; 15/0), Tim Howard (Colorado Rapids; 37/0), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake; 0/0)
DEFENDERS (9): DaMarcus Beasley (Houston Dynamo; 35/6), Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City; 12/1), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City/ENG; 24/2), Omar Gonzalez (Pachuca/MEX; 16/0), Michael Orozco (Club Tijuana/MEX; 6/1), Tim Ream (Fulham/ENG; 6/0), Jorge Villafaña (Santos Laguna/MEX; 4/0), DeAndre Yedlin (Newcastle United/ENG; (8/0), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City; 20/3)
MIDFIELDERS (10): Kellyn Acosta (FC Dallas; 5/0),Juan Agudelo (New England Revolution; 0/0), Paul Arriola (D.C. United; 5/1), Alejandro Bedoya (Philadelphia Union; 9/0), Michael Bradley (Toronto FC/CAN; 38/7), Benny Feilhaber (Sporting Kansas City; 6/0), Dax McCarty (Chicago Fire; 0/0), Darlington Nagbe (Portland Timbers; 9/0), Christian Pulisic (Borussia Dortmund/GER; 11/5), Gyasi Zardes (LA Galaxy; 4/1)
FORWARDS (4): Jozy Altidore (Toronto FC/CAN; 39/16), Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders FC; 41/18), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes; 0/0), Bobby Wood (Hamburg/GER; 12/4)