Photo by ISIPhotos.com
By MARC SERBER
CARSON, Calif.– Chris Wondolowski not only started 2014 off in style, but continued to build a strong case for one of the 23 tickets to Brazil, despite the many options up front that the U.S. Men’s National Team has at its disposal.
A poacher’s goal after just four minutes, and a quick diagonal run into the box followed by a smart finish on the hour mark, had both Wondolowski’s teammates and Jurgen Klinsmann singing his praises.
“Seeing Wondo (Wondolowski) starting the year 2014 with two goals is just awesome for him.” Klinsmann said with a big smile. “Wondo is a wonderful example that if you are committed, if you are hungry, if you give everything you have over a long period of time, sooner or later, you get rewarded for it.
“It’s a reward for his commitment, for his attitude, for his character. It’s cool.”
Center-back Clarence Goodson, Wondolowski’s teammate for both club and country also touched on the striker’s work ethic, saying he is one of the first guys to training and almost always one of the last to leave.
“Most guys that get to that level say ‘OK, I’ve made it, I don’t have to work that hard.’ He’s a great example for all the young guys on the team coming up,” Goodson said.
“That’s just Wondo being Wondo,’ said U.S. midfielder Graham Zusi. “Just being in the right place at the right time, but you know what? You’ve got to finish it as well and he did that. Two great finishes from him. He’s a goal scorer, what else can I say?”