CARSON, Calif. – Jose Villarreal has blossomed into one of the bright spots of the LA Galaxy’s 2015 campaign, and now that has placed the midfielder back on the radar of the U.S. National Team’s U-23 squad.
The Galaxy have two representatives on Andres Herzog’s U-23 squad as defender Oscar Sorto and Galaxy II forward Ariel Lassiter made the roster, but Villarreal confirmed that he was initially on that list as well, but declined the opportunity in order to focus on solidifying his role with the Galaxy.
“I spoke to Bruce and said that I just wanted to stay and work with the team because [international call-ups] will come eventually,” Villarreal told LA Galaxy Insider on Monday ahead of the team's D.C. United this weekend. “I personally wanted to stay because I didn’t want to kill the rhythm that I have with the team, and have to come back and need to win my spot again.
“[International play] will come with the way that I’ve been playing,” he added. “I just have to keep being consistent with the form that I have. The U-23s are a tough group to get into, with a lot of talented players, but I think that if I keep improving then I can make that team.”
After a difficult 2014 season, Villarreal has regained the swagger that made him one of the brightest young talents in MLS just a few seasons ago, even declaring that “there’s no going down from here.”
“There’s nothing that you can ask for other than working hard on the field other than hustling and busting your ass on the field,” said Villarreal. “That’s what most players want from the youngsters so you have to do that no matter what.”
