Sounders pair replaces Gonzalez and John
- by Paul Kennedy @pkedit, Jan 4, 2012
[USA MEN] Omar Gonzalez (Los Angeles Galaxy) and George John (FC Dallas), two of
the best young defenders in MLS, both were given approval to withdraw from the U.S. national team camp in Phoenix in order to deal with what were described as "club-related matters." Seattle Sounders
midfielder Brad Evans and defender Jeff Parke have been added to the January training camp roster.
John has
been looking for a move to the English Premier League for the last year, and a move in January would allow MLS to receive a transfer fee. John's Greek passport would facilitate a move to England.
Gonzalez, who was scheduled to make his long-awaited debut under Jurgen Klinsmann, was mentioned as a possible target of Mexican giant Club America. A move to
the EPL would be complicated by his lack of caps necessary to earn a work visa.
Evans has earned four caps, including three appearances in the USA's run to the 2009 Gold Cup final. Parke
becomes one of five players seeking to play his first game for the United States.
The USA will host Venezuela on Jan. 21 at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Four days
later, it faces Panama at the Estadio Rommel Fernandez in Panama City.
