Chivas USA M Kljestan named to U.S. national team

Aug 28, 2008 - 11:28 PM CARSON, California (Ticker) -- Chivas USA All-Star midfielder Sacha Kljestan on Thursday was named to the United States national team for its upcoming World Cup qualifying matches against Cuba and Trinidad and Tobago.

Kljestan, who leads Chivas USA with five goals and four assists, will join the American side on Sunday, one day removed from Chivas' match against Toronto FC.

"It's always exciting to get called up to the national team, especially for a World Cup qualifier," Kljestan said. "I've been lucky enough to have been part of every qualifier so far this year with the national team. I'm proud to represent my country and wear the red, white and blue any time I can."

Also added to the national team were defenders Danny Califf, Michael Orozco and Marvell Wynne and midfielder Ricardo Clark, who replaced injured midfielder Pablo Mastroeni.

The Americans, who posted a 1-0 triumph over Guatemala on August 20, travel to Cuba on September 6 before playing Trinidad and Tobago in Bridgeview, Illinois on September 10.

"These next two games are very important to help us position ourselves to advance to the final stage," U.S. coach Bob Bradley said. "With the win against Guatemala, we have put ourselves in a good situation at the start of the semifinal round. I was very pleased with the way our team stuck together in a difficult environment. We need to have that same type of effort in the matches against Cuba and Trinidad and Tobago."