BY DAVE MARTINEZ
Though he may not have won the Red Bulls team MVP award last season, Dax McCarty certainly didn’t go unrecognized.
After putting in perhaps his strongest year as a pro, the Florida native has drawn attention from the U.S. Men’s National team.
“My agent has spoken to (U.S. Men’s National Team coach) Jurgen Klinsmann and I think I am on his radar,” McCarty told SBI. “He was happy with the season I had and so now it’s just a matter of getting a chance to get called up for some friendly games, maybe January but I don’t know exactly if that’s happening or not. “
For the Red Bulls midfielder, it would be a just reward after a near team MVP season with New York. McCarty has spent the last few years on the outskirts of the National team spotlight. In fact, his last stint with the U.S.M.N.T. came in January of 2010 when he entered a friendly against El Salvador as a 78th minute sub. Prior to that, he featured prominently with the U.S. U-23 program.
McCarty admitted he hadn’t personally spoken to Klinsmann, but after the year he enjoyed with New York, he had always hoped his play would do the talking for him.
“I haven’t heard from anyone in U.S. Soccer personally, but obviously, that is a big goal of mine to be involved in the national team in some capacity,” he said. “Obviously, we are really deep going into this next cycle. I know a lot of guys are hungry just like me to be a part of it. It’s very competitive.
“I think I definitely made it known with my play that I still have an interest in being a part of the team. I’ve gotten a taste of the national team in some friendlies. I love the experience and am definitely hungry for more.”
McCarty’s path to the national stage mimics his 2012 season in New York. After a disappointing start to his Red Bull career, the young midfielder decided to regroup, reassess and refocus his energies for the 2012 season. After spending the majority of the preseason and the beginnings of the 2012 campaign guiding the young American core of the team, McCarty found an opening to make an impact himself as veteran players began to fall due to injuries, suspensions or, at times, national team call-ups.
When the opportunity arose, he made the most of it. Now, he hopes to do the same for the U.S. team.
“If I get a chance to prove myself, I will prove myself in front of them,” he said. “If not, then you just got to keep plugging away. Obviously it’s not easy to see rosters get named and not be part of them, but hey, that’s just more motivation for this year.”