Sunday, March 27, 2016

Zusi Called Up, Besler Returns to KC

US men's national team coach, Jurgen Klinsmann has made some changes to his roster ahead of what has become a must win game for the US to really control their own destiny in qualifying for the next round of World Cup qualifying. The US sit third in the group with four points and three games remaining, but less than full points Tuesday will leave them still in third place and needing assistance to advance ahead of Guatemala or Trinidad and Tobago.

As part of those changes, Klinsmann has called in Sporting KC's Graham Zusi. The KC winger hasn't been with the national team since last summer's Gold Cup where the US team finished in fourth place. Zusi will provide more offense for the US team that couldn't find the back of the net in Guatemala City on Friday.

Returning to Kansas City is Matt Besler, Sporting KC's captain suffered a concussion while training with the US team ahead of the qualifiers. US Soccer said that Besler would be monitored for his availability for Tuesday, but it appears that they made the decision to send him back to his club. Now Besler will continue his rehabilitation from the concussion with Kansas City. There will still be the question of his availability for Saturday against Real Salt Lake and whether he's recovered from the concussion to play. Based on history I won't be surprised if Besler is rested on the second if for no other reason than as a precaution.

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