COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (Sunday, January 6, 2013) – Colorado Rapids forward Edson Buddle has been called up to the United States National Team by head coach Jurgen Klinsmann for a training camp in California ahead of a January 29 friendly match against Canada. Buddle, who came to the Rapids in a trade with the LA Galaxy on December 14, will join the United States on January 7 in Carson, Calif. for the camp, and will be with the team through its Jan. 29 match, which will be broadcast live on ESPN2.
“We’re thrilled to see Edson with the United States for their January camp, and we know he’ll benefit from the early season training at such a high level,” said Rapids Technical Director Paul Bravo. “One of the reasons we acquired Edson is because we know he’s a forward capable of performing on the international stage. We wish him the best of luck in January and look forward to having him join our preseason after his time with the U.S.”
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The United States’ match against Canada is the only game prior to the start of final round qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, which kicks off for the U.S. on Feb. 6 against Honduras in San Pedro Sula. In addition to the Hexagonal, the U.S. will compete in the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup this summer.
After making his U.S. National Team debut in 2003, Buddle was selected to the U.S. squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, where he appeared as a substitute in matches against England and Algeria. He has made a total of 11 appearances and scored three goals for his country.
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The 11-year MLS veteran has scored 93 career regular season goals, placing him seventh on the league’s all-time scoring charts. Before coming to the Rapids, Buddle scored 45 goals in 106 games for the LA Galaxy from 2007-2010 and in 2012.
U.S. ROSTER BY POSITION (January Camp in Carson, Calif.)
GOALKEEPERS (3): Tally Hall (Houston Dynamo), Bill Hamid (D.C. United), Sean Johnson (Chicago Fire)
DEFENDERS (9): Steven Beitashour (San Jose Earthquakes), Tony Beltran (Real Salt Lake), Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), A.J. DeLaGarza (LA Galaxy), Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy), Connor Lade (New York Red Bulls), Alfredo Morales (Hertha Berlin), Justin Morrow (San Jose Earthquakes), Jeff Parke (Philadelphia Union)
MIDFIELDERS (8): Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Alejandro Bedoya (out of contract), Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo), Mix Diskerud (Rosenborg), Brad Evans (Seattle Sounders), Benny Feilhaber (Sporting Kansas City), Joshua Gatt (Molde), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City)
FORWARDS (5): Juan Agudelo (Chivas USA), Will Bruin (Houston Dynamo), Edson Buddle (Colorado Rapids), Eddie Johnson (Seattle Sounders), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)
The Rapids will start preseason on January 17, and are set to participate in the Desert Friendlies presented by Tucson FC and the Las Vegas ProSoccer Challenge against Chivas USA on February 15 as part of their preparations. To purchase season tickets for the Rapids’ 2013 campaign, call 303-825-GOAL or CLICK HERE for more information.
