Goalkeeper Carrillo Called up by El Salvador for Spain and Ivory Coast Friendlies

May 15, 2014 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


Atlanta, Ga. (May 15, 2014) - The El Salvador Men's National Team has called in Silverbacks goalkeeper Derby Carrillo to represent the country in its upcoming international friendlies against Ivory Coast and Spain, the Salvadoran Football Federation announced this week.

For the 26-year-old Carrillo, who already has three caps for La Selecta, this is a dream call-up. Both Ivory Coast and Spain head to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil as favorites to advance from their respective groups, with the latter entering the tournament as the defending World Cup champions.

"I'm very honored, privileged, and blessed to have the opportunity to represent the country of El Salvador, especially against the likes of Ivory Coast and Spain," Carrillo said. "The Salvadoran fan base is so amazing, and I hope we can restore their faith in the national team."

Following the Silverbacks' away game in Edmonton on May 24, Carrillo will fly to El Salvador to join the team's training camp in the city of San Salvador. The team will depart for Dallas on June 2 in preparation for their game against Ivory Coast on June 4 at Toyota Stadium, the home of Major League Soccer side FC Dallas. After their game against Ivory Coast, Carrillo and his teammates will fly to Washington D.C. on June 5. El Salvador will play against Spain two days later on June 7 in front of what will surely be a pro-Salvadoran crowd at FedEx Field. The D.C. area is home to one of the nation's largest Salvadoran populations, making it an ideal city for the team to play in.

"This is an incredible opportunity for Derby to play against some of the best players in the world, and as a club, we're extremely proud to have one of our players involved in such high-profile international matches." said Silverbacks President & General Manager Andy Smith. "I think this is a testament to the type of players that Eric Wynalda brings to our club, and we can't wait to see one of our own in action against a pair of World Cup squads."

El Salvador will have quite the task ahead of them with this pair of fixtures. Ivory Coast boasts the likes of forward Didier Drogba and midfielder Yaya Toure, who just led Manchester City to an English Premier League title. Spain's roster speaks for itself, with midfield maestros Xavi, Andres Iniesta, David Silva, and Cesc Fabregas all expected to take part in these friendlies.

Carrillo, a native of La Mirada, California, will be the only U.S.-based goalkeeper on the El Salvador roster for these games. Midfielder Richard Menjivar, who spent last season with the Silverbacks, could join Carrillo on La Selecta's roster.

The 6-foot-4 goalkeeper has started two games for the Silverbacks this season, and will miss the final two NASL Spring Season games while away on national team duty.

"I wish I could be with the team as they make their final push for the Spring Season championship," Carrillo said. "I know the guys will be able to fulfill our team goals in my absence, and I look forward to them finishing the season as strongly as possible."

Carrillo's call-up marks the second straight season in which a Silverbacks player has had to miss regular season games due to a national team call-up. Menjivar missed a pair of games last season while taking part in the CONCACAF Gold Cup with El Salvador.

The Silverbacks remain on the road this weekend, visiting the Carolina RailHawks at 7:30 p.m. at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, N.C. This crucial league matchup can be seen live online at NASLLive.com. To purchase Silverbacks tickets for the pair of home games on May 31 and June 7, call 404-969-4900.



North American Soccer League Stories from May 15, 2014


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