Dom Dwyer isn’t a U.S. citizen quite yet, but the Sporting KC forward is already looking forward to what may happen when the process is done and dusted.
Dwyer told ESPN FC that he is just weeks away from filing paperwork that would make him a U.S. citizen. The move would see him become eligible to represent the U.S. Men’s National Team, something he hopes to do once the process is completed.
“February 14 marks the date of my five years of holding a green card, so then I’ll be eligible for citizenship,” Dwyer told ESPN FC. “That paperwork is sitting there, ready to filed on the 14th, and we’ll see where it goes from there.”
“I’ve lived here for about nine years now in the U.S.,” he added. “I wasn’t born here but this is, if not my second home, my home. This country has given me a lot. If I have the opportunity to give something back, I would jump at it.”
Born in England, Dwyer moved to the U.S. in 2009 when he enrolled at Tyler Junior College in Texas. After transferring for one season at the University of South Florida, Dwyer was drafted by Sporting KC in 2012.
Since, Dwyer has scored 52 goals in 113 appearances for the club, becoming one of MLS’ most consistent strikers.
Coming off an ankle injury, Dwyer joked that it was for the best that he wasn’t prepared for the January camp, which is currently being held in Los Angeles. He says he spoke briefly to Jurgen Klinsmann about potentially representing the U.S. but, with Bruce Arena now in charge, Dwyer is hoping to make an impression on the new head coach.
“In passing, he’s a guy I respect. He’d always shake my hand after the games against LA.,” Dwyer said of Arena. “I’ve heard only good things [about] him, especially from a lot of other players.”