As part of bevy of changes following the US National team’s 2-0 friendly win against Cuba on Friday, D.C. United’s Bill Hamid has been called up to the national team. Hamid takes the spot of Ethan Horvath, who returns to Molde FK after playing 90 minutes in the win in Cuba. The second friendly for this international window for the US takes place on Tuesday night at RFK Stadium.
Hamid has two caps for the US national team, but has not appeared for the red, white, and blue since a 4-1 loss to Ireland in November 2014. The homegrown keeper was on target to train with the US during the January training camp, but knee surgery that month kept Hamid shelved for the almost the first half of the MLS season.
With Tim Howard and Brad Guzan left at home for the pair of friendlies, US manager Jurgen Klinsmann has been on the lookout for the heir apparent for the US role in the future. Hamid, who has given up some softer goals than he is accustomed to, wasn’t part of the initial group to fight for that spot, but now just might get the chance on his home field.
Steve Birnbaum, who took a cleat to the head in the dying moments of the game against Cuba, remains with the national team for Tuesday’s friendly. In addition to Hamid, Kellyn Acosta, Juan Agudelo, Matt Besler, Terrence Boyd, Michael Orozco and Tim Parker were called in by Klinsmann.
John Brooks, Geoff Cameron, Timmy Chandler, Ethan Horvath, Fabian Johnson, Jordan Morris, Christian Pulisic, Chris Wondolowski and Bobby Wood are the players who left the team following the Cuba game.
GOALKEEPERS (3): David Bingham (San Jose Earthquakes), Bill Hamid (D.C. United), William Yarbrough (Club Leon)
DEFENDERS (6): Kellyn Acosta (FC Dallas), Matt Besler (Sporting KC), Steve Birnbaum (D.C. United), Omar Gonzalez (Pachuca), Michael Orozco (Club Tijuana), Tim Parker (Vancouver Whitecaps FC)
MIDFIELDERS (6): Paul Arriola (Club Tijuana), Michael Bradley (Toronto FC), Lynden Gooch (Sunderland), Perry Kitchen (Hearts), Sacha Kljestan (New York Red Bulls), Danny Williams (Reading)
FORWARDS (4): Juan Agudelo (New England Revolution), Jozy Altidore (Toronto FC), Terrence Boyd (RB Leipzig), Julian Green (Bayern Munich)