CARSON, Calif. – A.J. DeLaGarza is still working back from injury, but that has not stopped him from pursuing options internationally.
Two weeks ago, DeLaGarza confirmed to Guam’s Pacific News Center that he had named to Guam’s 30-man roster for the East Asian Cup semifinal round tournament in Hong Kong in December. The winner of the five-team tournament which spans from Dec. 1 to Dec. 9 will advance to the 2013 East Asia Cup which will take place in Seoul, Korea Republic from July 20 to July 28
DeLaGarza, who has two caps—his last coming earlier this January in a friendly in Panama— for the U.S. national team is eligible to play for “the Matao” through his father’s side of the family. If DeLaGarza does join Guam, he’d be the second MLS player to join the Matao this year as New England Revolution midfielder Ryan Guy chose to suit up for the South Pacific earlier this year.
With DeLaGarza still recovering from an MCL sprain in his left knee, the Galaxy defender admits that the opportunity may be put on hold for now.
“It’s just the preliminary roster for now,” DeLaGarza said last Saturday. They have some big games in December against Australia, Hong Kong, and a couple of other teams. The way that my knee is going, I’m probably not going to even risk it, but it’s just an opportunity that I have to maybe seek out. It’s nothing for sure, but maybe down the road.”
