Chivas USA's Sacha Kljestan named to U.S. National Team roster for Oct. 11 World Cup Qualifier

Published on October 3, 2008 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Club Deportivo Chivas USA News Release


CARSON, Calif. (Friday, October 3, 2008) - Chivas USA midfielder Sacha Kljestan has been named by head coach Bob Bradley to the United States National Team's 23-player roster for its upcoming match against Cuba in World Cup qualifying. The game is set to place on Saturday, Oct. 11 at 4:00 p.m. PT (7:00 p.m. ET) and will be shown live on ESPN Classic and Galavision.

"I'm always thrilled to be called up to the National Team," said Kljestan. "While it's difficult to leave Chivas USA as we push for a spot in the playoffs, it's an honor to be able to represent my country, and I hope to help the team secure a spot in the final round of qualifying."

Kljestan will join the U.S. squad after Chivas USA's league match at D.C. United tomorrow. The 23-year-old midfielder has been on the U.S. National Team's roster for each of the squad's five World Cup Qualifiers in 2008, from two Preliminary Round wins over Barbados, to the first three games of the second round of qualifying, all wins, against Guatemala, Cuba, and Trinidad & Tobago.

Kljestan has made a total of nine appearances with the U.S. National Team, including three in World Cup Qualifying, and was also with the U.S. Olympic Team in Beijing in August, where he scored two goals as the team went 1-1-1 and narrowly missed out on advancing to the quarterfinals. So far in 2008 with Chivas USA, Kljestan it tied for the team lead in both goals (5) and assists (6), having played 19 games, all as a starter.

In its history, the U.S. holds a 6-1-1 (W-L-T) record against Cuba, and captured a 1-0 victory on Sept. 6 in a historic visit to Havana, the first time the two teams had met in Cuba in 61 years. The United States is currently on top of its qualifying group and could clinch passage to the final round of CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying with a win over Cuba.

U.S. Men's National Team Roster vs. Cuba

2010 FIFA World Cup Qualifier - Oct. 11

GOALKEEPERS (2): Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton FC), Troy Perkins (Valerenga IF)

DEFENDERS (8): Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes), Danny Califf (FC Midtjylland), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96), Jay DeMerit (Watford FC), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus Crew), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard de Liege), Michael Orozco (San Luis), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock)

MIDFIELDERS (7): Freddy Adu (AS Monaco), DaMarcus Beasley (Glasgow Rangers), Michael Bradley (Borussia Moenchengladbach), Maurice Edu (Glasgow Rangers), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Danny Szetela (Brescia Calcio), José Francisco Torres (Pachuca)

FORWARDS (5): Jozy Altidore (Villarreal C.F.), Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Charlie Davies (Hammarby IF) Clint Dempsey (Fulham FC), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy)

Just four matches remain in the 2008 regular season for Chivas USA as the team pushes for a third-consecutive trip to the playoffs. First up is tomorrow's match at D.C. United, followed by an Oct. 11 trip visit to the San Jose Earthquakes. The Red-and-White then close with a pair of home matches, hosting the Colorado Rapids on Oct. 19, followed by Fan Appreciation Night against the Houston Dynamo on Oct. 25. For more information, or to purchase tickets, call 1-877-CHIVAS-1 or visit www.cdchivasusa.com.

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