SALT LAKE CITY, Utah -- LA Galaxy forward Alan Gordon is heading to join the U.S. National Team for the knockout rounds of the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup, U.S. Soccer announced on Tuesday.
It was hardly a shock that Gordon was named to the squad given his clutch scoring ability, but it did come as some surprise that the 33-year-old target with one prior appearance for the USMNT will replace Jozy Altidore in the U.S. set-up. Gordon will join up with the U.S. following the Galaxy's U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal match against Real Salt Lake.
In a Q&A for USSoccer.com, Klinsmann explained his decision to replace Altidore with Gordon.
"We believe that Jozy’s just not there yet. Jozy never really got into this tournament and never really picked up the rhythm. He’s just simply not in the shape right now to help us. For Jozy it’s just simply going back to Toronto, picking up his rhythm, getting in shape, working on his fitness and then he will start scoring goals again," Klinsmann told USSoccer.com. "That’s why Alan Gordon was on the standby roster from the beginning and that’s why we brought him in. He’s fully fit, he’s so full of energy, he scores goals with the Galaxy, and he fits in right away. He’s a pure giver to the group, and he might be a player that can make a difference at any second when you bring him in.”
Gordon has enjoyed a strong 2015 season to date with four goals in 20 appearances with the Galaxy. The veteran striker also scored the game-winner in LA's International Champions Cup victory over Club America last week.