CARSON, Calif. – LA Galaxy forwards Alan Gordon and Gyasi Zardes are hoping to make a major splash with the U.S. National Team as they join with Jurgen Klinsmann's side for the start of CONCACAF qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
The Galaxy teammates were named last week to head coach Jurgen Klinsmann’s squad for this November’s qualifiers that will pit the USMNT against St. Vincent & The Grenadines on Nov. 13 in St. Louis and Trinidad and Tobago in Port of Spain on Nov. 17. The fixtures mark the start of the United States’ bid to qualify for an eighth consecutive World Cup.
“As a young player, this is my first qualifying match. I want to give everything that I have,” striker Gyasi Zardes told LAGalaxy.com. “I want to win each and every single game, and I want to help our country qualify for the next World Cup.”
Zardes’ call-up for World Cup qualifying completes a remarkable year for the 24-year-old striker who has solidified himself as a regular in Klinsmann’s side. During 2015, Zardes has made 17 appearances with 14 starts while scoring twice and assisting on four goals.
If Zardes appears in both qualifiers, he’ll have appeared in 19 matches in 2015 which will tie him with Claudio Reyna’s record of most appearances by a player in their first year with the national team.
“At the beginning of the his year, I got called into the national team, but it’s just a wonderful feeling to represent your country and be able to play with significant players such as Michael Bradley, Jermaine Jones, Tim Howard, and Brad Guzan,” Zardes said. “All these guys are veterans of the game and played for amazing club teams in the world, I try to learn everything I can from them.
“Each and every camp, I try to progress as a player, and I hope that I can keep progressing and keep working hard to stay highly motivated to become a better player.”
Gordon may be the more senior of the two players, but the 34-year-old will be looking to make just his third appearance with the USMNT. Prior to his appearance in this year’s CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinal, Gordon made his international debut in the USMNT’s 2014 World Cup qualifying 2-1 victory over Antigua and Barbuda.
“It’s always great to be called into the national team and to get the opportunity to represent your country which is an awesome thing,” Gordon said. “It’s an honor. I’m excited, my family is excited. I’m looking forward to the experience and have a good time.
“I’m excited. I’m excited to represent my country. I’m ready to give everything that I have to make a difference if I’m called upon and have some fun as well.”
Two victories will put the USMNT in good straits to start World Cup qualifying, but Gordon warns that the two Caribbean opponents will not be pushovers.
“We need to be a good solid team and find our chemistry,” Gordon said. “We need to look like we’re ready to battle. Hopefully, that’s something that I can bring and look to contribute.”
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/Insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com.
