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Slow Starting Kljestan Hopes To Crack First Eleven
Sacha Kljestan has yet to score a goal for Chivas USA this season, but believes camp performances could help him land a starting spot in the United States' World Cup qualifier Wednesday in Costa Rica.
May 30, 2009 2:29:09 PM
A key player throughout the United States national team's World Cup qualifying campaign, Sacha Kljestan has more recently hit a roadblock.
With Chivas USA, Kljestan has yet to find the back of the net and has just one assist with the season more than a third complete.
Kljestan was called up for the United States' roster ahead of their game in Costa Rica on June 3. But whether Kljestan picks up another start for the U.S. national team or not is out of his hands, regardless of his league form.
"The best I can do is come in and compete and hopefully have a good training camp and vie for a starting spot," Kljestan said. "If I'm not in the 11, hopefully I'm on the bench and ready to support the team in any way possible."
Throughout qualifying, Kljestan has played a key role for the U.S. in the center of the field. The 2008 US Olympian has seven qualifying starts and has made another two appearances off the bench. He's played in all three of the qualifying matches this year. His blend of talent and experience has caught Bradley's attention in the past and has given Kljestan the opportunity to start.
This time around, though, Kljestan is coming off the heels of another scoreless match. Kljestan did not score in Chivas USA's 3-2 loss to Chicago on Thursday, and now sits on no goals after 10 games and 822 minutes of league play.
In the middle of the field, the competition appears fierce for playing time. Michael Bradley has been a key performer and is a first-choice player, having scored four goals in nine qualifying starts. But U.S. coach Bob Bradley's options in the midfield are seemingly vast.
Although Kljestan's 2009 MLS league statistics are down, he said his chance of playing will be determined during training camp and not before it.
"It depends on what's going on in camp and who we're playing against," Kljestan said when asked what his chances of starting were. "(Other players) have had good games at some point with the national team. Benny Feilhaber is back in the picture. He's had some big matches with the national team. Maurice Edu is getting great minutes at Rangers right now... Ultimately it's Bob Bradley's decision."
With each passing qualifier, the significance and importance rises. Points get teams closer to South Africa while losses can be devastating setbacks. With the Confederations Cup in South Africa around the corner, the U.S. will face two strong opponents that could have an impact on whether the Americans book a return trip in 2010.
"These two games are probably two of the more important ones on our schedule," Kljestan said. "Playing at home, you always have a chance to take the three points and I think the game against Honduras will be a true test for us at home. The away game against Costa Rica is going to be tough. The U.S. has typically not done great in Costa Rica so to go down there and hopefully take some points would be awesome."
Despite having less than two years with the national team under his belt, Kljestan has already been to and played in several Central American countries. He's been a part of games in El Salvador, Panama and was on the bench for a game against Guatemala. Also, he's played in several island nations in Cuba and Barbados.
While a trip to Costa Rica will be a first, Kljestan said he is looking forward to the match and atmosphere.
"I've been down and around there," he said. "It's different, but I'm excited for the task."
Luis Bueno, Goal.com
For more coverage of the U.S. National Team, visit Goal.com regularly.
With Chivas USA, Kljestan has yet to find the back of the net and has just one assist with the season more than a third complete.
Kljestan was called up for the United States' roster ahead of their game in Costa Rica on June 3. But whether Kljestan picks up another start for the U.S. national team or not is out of his hands, regardless of his league form.
"The best I can do is come in and compete and hopefully have a good training camp and vie for a starting spot," Kljestan said. "If I'm not in the 11, hopefully I'm on the bench and ready to support the team in any way possible."
Throughout qualifying, Kljestan has played a key role for the U.S. in the center of the field. The 2008 US Olympian has seven qualifying starts and has made another two appearances off the bench. He's played in all three of the qualifying matches this year. His blend of talent and experience has caught Bradley's attention in the past and has given Kljestan the opportunity to start.
This time around, though, Kljestan is coming off the heels of another scoreless match. Kljestan did not score in Chivas USA's 3-2 loss to Chicago on Thursday, and now sits on no goals after 10 games and 822 minutes of league play.
In the middle of the field, the competition appears fierce for playing time. Michael Bradley has been a key performer and is a first-choice player, having scored four goals in nine qualifying starts. But U.S. coach Bob Bradley's options in the midfield are seemingly vast.
Although Kljestan's 2009 MLS league statistics are down, he said his chance of playing will be determined during training camp and not before it.
"It depends on what's going on in camp and who we're playing against," Kljestan said when asked what his chances of starting were. "(Other players) have had good games at some point with the national team. Benny Feilhaber is back in the picture. He's had some big matches with the national team. Maurice Edu is getting great minutes at Rangers right now... Ultimately it's Bob Bradley's decision."
With each passing qualifier, the significance and importance rises. Points get teams closer to South Africa while losses can be devastating setbacks. With the Confederations Cup in South Africa around the corner, the U.S. will face two strong opponents that could have an impact on whether the Americans book a return trip in 2010.
"These two games are probably two of the more important ones on our schedule," Kljestan said. "Playing at home, you always have a chance to take the three points and I think the game against Honduras will be a true test for us at home. The away game against Costa Rica is going to be tough. The U.S. has typically not done great in Costa Rica so to go down there and hopefully take some points would be awesome."
Despite having less than two years with the national team under his belt, Kljestan has already been to and played in several Central American countries. He's been a part of games in El Salvador, Panama and was on the bench for a game against Guatemala. Also, he's played in several island nations in Cuba and Barbados.
While a trip to Costa Rica will be a first, Kljestan said he is looking forward to the match and atmosphere.
"I've been down and around there," he said. "It's different, but I'm excited for the task."
Luis Bueno, Goal.com
For more coverage of the U.S. National Team, visit Goal.com regularly.
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