CARSON, Calif. -- Count LA Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena among those pleased that defender Omar Gonzalez was called into the U.S. national team set up for Wednesday's 2014 World Cup Qualifier against Honduras.
Gonzalez is currently with the U.S. during their brief training camp in Miami, FL before they travel to Honduras for the match in San Pedro Sula.
"It’ll be a good opportunity for him. It’s a little late, I think he should have been in that mix much earlier," said Arena. "And I’m hopeful that he gets some quick experience and eventually be a fixture for the team.”
Gonzalez and the U.S. are in for a battle on Wednesday as they take on a tough Honduras team in the unfriendly confines of the Estadio Olímpico Metropolitano in San Pedro Sula. Although a qualifier in Central America always creates challenges for any opponent, the former U.S. national team boss admits that the conditions have improved across the region.
"San Pedro Sula is a tough place, I've had a qualifier there," said Arena. "Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica is a little bit more under control now. I think in the early days, CONCACAF didn't have a handle on a lot of stuff in the qualifying. it was like the Wild West. It's a little bit more structured now and it's a safer more productive environment for the players, but it's all difficult."
A few short notes from practice...
Bruce Arena addressed a rumor from the website Soccer By Ives stating that the LA Galaxy are interested in acquiring the rights of U.S. International Robbie Rogers, which were dealt from the Columbus Crew to the Chicago Fire in the swap that sent Dilly Duka to Chicago and Dominic Oduro to Columbus. Arena stated that he 'was not aware of that" particular rumor and the Galaxy "have not discussed acquiring Rogers' rights with anybody."
Arena also mentioned that there should be a resolution on the status of Re-Entry selection William Hesmer by the end of the week.
*Monday is LA Galaxy media day and there will be more coverage on the blog later today.
