For the past week and a half, Red Bulls midfielders Dax McCarty and Eric Alexander have been at the U.S. Men's National Team's training camp, looking to make a lasting impression. After the players reported to U.S. Soccer's National Training Center in Carson, CA, U.S. Men’s National Team head coach Jurgen Klinsmann – originally ready to select 23 of the 26 players called in to train in Brazil for 12 days as part of a “dry run” for the 2014 FIFA World Cup – decided to bring the entire roster including both Red Bulls.
“We have been extremely pleased with the performance of the group in the first week,” Klinsmann said to USSoccer.com. “The players came in very fit and have done really well in training. Therefore, we believe they have all earned a chance to go to Brazil for these next 12 days. We are excited about getting down to Sao Paulo and continuing the work. This is a huge opportunity to get to know our environment for the World Cup.”
USSoccer.com was able to catch up with McCarty on the team’s long trip down to Brazil in the following video:
In addition, McCarty (@DaxMcCarty11) hosted a Twitter takeover on U.S. Soccer’s official feed earlier today and had some great responses in his Q&A. A few highlights:
The U.S. will hold two closed-door scrimmages in Brazil, training at Sao Paulo FC, before heading back to Carson, CA in preparation for its international friendly against Korea Republic on Feb. 1 at StubHub Center. Kickoff is at 5:00 PM and the match will be broadcast live on ESPN2, WatchESPN, ESPN Deportes and UniMas.
