Photo by ISIPhotos.com
By IVES GALARCEP
Brad Evans was expected to be the U.S. Men’s National Team’s starting right back for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, but a calf injury suffered in the Seattle Sounders’ 1-0 win vs. the Columbus Crew on Saturday night has put his participation in jeopardy.
Evans left Saturday’s match in the 19th minute, and is traveling to Miami today to join the U.S. team, which is gathering in Florida before departing to San Jose, Costa Rica for Friday’s World Cup qualifier vs. Costa Rica.
“I just felt it in my calf a little bit,” Evans told the Seattle Times after the match. “I’m planning to fly (to Miami) as of now.
“Calf injuries have always nagged me, and every once in a while it just flares up,” Evans added. “I’m hoping it’s like the others where I sit out this game and give myself some ready, and be ready in a week.”
(UPDATE- According to the Seattle Sounders, Evans did not travel to Miami, and will instead stay with the Sounders to rehabilitate his injury, which would appear to rule him out for the upcoming qualifiers.)
With Evans looking like he is out for the Costa Rica qualifier on Friday, and potentially the qualifier vs. Mexico on Sept. 10th, Jurgen Klinsmann will likely turn to Geoff Cameron to fill the right back role. Cameron has started at right back for Stoke City, and last started at right back for the USMNT in the 0-0 draw vs. Mexico at Estadio Azteca last March.
Klinsmann also has Michael Orozco on his roster as a player who can play right back, but he might be tempted to call in some back-up at the position, with Michael Parkhurst a candidate to be called in, as well as Eric Lichaj, who is starting regularly at right back for Nottingham Forest. Timmy Chandler is another possibility.
What do you think of this development? Who would you start at right back vs. Costa Rica? Who would you call in to provide right back depth? Is it time to call in Eric Lichaj?
Share your thoughts below.