Photo by Howard C. Smith/ISIphotos.com
By FRANCO PANIZO
U.S. Men’s National Team head coach Jurgen Klinsmann has been forced to make his first roster change, replacing an injured Omar Gonzalez with Michael Orozco.
U.S. Soccer announced on Tuesday morning that Gonzalez withdrew from the U.S. squad that will close out World Cup qualifying in the next week due to a left hip strain that was sustained over the weekend. Gonzalez, a regular U.S. starter at centerback, picked up the knock in the LA Galaxy’s 5-0 dismantling of Chivas USA this past Sunday. He played in just the first half before being substituted.
The injury has paved the way for the return of the versatile Orozco, who played at right back in last month’s 3-1 defeat in Costa Rica but has previously spent time at centerback under Klinsmann. Orozco is a candidate to replace Gonzalez in the Americans’ lineup in the upcoming two qualifiers, but it seems more likely that Geoff Cameron will get the nod next to Matt Besler in central defense.
The U.S. host Jamaica on Friday before finishing their 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign with a road game against Panama on Oct. 15.
What do you think of Orozco being called in? Would you have preferred to see someone else selected? Who will start in Gonzalez’s place?
Share your thoughts below.