Photo by Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports

By RYAN TOLMICH

Geoff Cameron is set for a homecoming Tuesday night, in more ways than one.

A key contributor throughout the past cycle, Cameron was a notable omission from this past summer’s Gold Cup roster. In the aftermath of a World Cup and a grueling English Premier League campaign, Cameron remained with Stoke City, recovering through the summer before attempting to reclaim his spot with the national team.

That process began, in earnest, in the nation’s capital against Peru, with Cameron starting the second half in defense. Yet, Cameron’s resurgence will continue Tuesday just 13 miles from his hometown of Attleboro, Massachusetts.

Facing off with Brazil at Gillette Stadium, Cameron’s reintegration will likely continue in Tuesday’s game, one that is sure to prove special to the defender due to the circumstances surrounding it.

“It’s great to get back with the national team,” Cameron said, “especially with joining up in D.C. and then getting to come back and end the trip in Boston in front of my family and friends.

“You can enjoy the weather and city and everything, but it’s always an honor to put the jersey on and represent your country and the national team. It’s special because you’re playing in front of your friends and family.”

Cameron’s return to the USMNT is one that has been a long time coming, although it may not be going as originally expected.

Having established himself as a key member in the defense, Cameron appeared thrice for the USMNT at World Cup, but prior to Friday’s appearance, he had featured just once since last summer’s tournament.

Absent from the national team picture since November, Cameron has emerged as a centerback on the club level since his last USMNT appearance. Thrust into that role throughout his international career, Cameron was primarily a right back on the club level, making this year’s transition a welcome change.

Yet, with injuries to DaMarcus Beasley, Fabian Johnson and Timmy Chandler, Cameron has, once again, flip-flopped. Featuring at fullback on Friday, Cameron will likely see time at right back again on Saturday against the likes of Brazilian star Neymar.

For Cameron, the constant shifting of position poses little issue. A versatile player by nature, the 30-year-old defender is prepared to play along the back line to suit whatever needs Jurgen Klinsmann encounters.

“I’m just trying to do whatever I can to help the team,” Cameron said. “If he needs me to play right back, I’ll be there to play right back.

“My focus is just playing and making sure I’m working hard and letting my play do the talking.”

Cameron’s latest chance to make his presence known comes at the friendly confines of Gillette Stadium, a stadium he is more than familiar with.

A Massachusetts native, the defender admitted that he visited the venue just this summer to take in a New England Revolution game. Yet, Cameron says he hasn’t played at the stadium since his days with the Houston Dynamo, adding even a bit more meaning to Tuesday’s contest.

Now returning to the USMNT, in front of friends and family no less, Cameron is more than ready to make his mark. Following a long-term absence, Cameron is just ready to contribute, no matter the position or setting.

“It’s great. It’s good to be back, obviously, in the great city of Boston in front of family and friends,” Cameron said. “It’ll be the first time I’m with the national team playing in front of them.

“It’s an honor, and it’s pretty special to be here.”