The 2022 FIFA World Cup is just over two months away.
For a pair of Coloradans, now is the time to make a claim that they belong on the plane to Qatar.
On Wednesday, United States Men’s National Team head coach Gregg Berhalter called in 26 players for the final pre-World Cup FIFA international window in September, which runs from Sept. 19-27, as the team is set to play Japan and Saudi Arabia in Europe. Former Colorado Rapids homegrown left back Sam Vines of Colorado Springs, and goalkeeper Ethan Horvath of Highlands Ranch were among those selected. Kellyn Acosta, a former Rapids player, also got the nod.
Vines has had a remarkable start to the 2022 season with his club Royal Antwerp in Belgium. After not being featured for the USMNT since November 2021 during World Cup qualifying, he is now back in the picture due to excellent form. This season, he has played every possible minute in eight games as his team sits at the top of the league. Including time helping his team reach the UEFA Conference League, he has already amassed a total of 1,081 minutes.
With Fulham’s Antonee Robinson, the first-choice starter at left back, out with an ankle sprain, Vines will earn another shot to prove himself. The naturally left-footed left back is likely to compete with versatile back Joe Scally, who plays in the German Bundesliga.
“One of the things we’re preparing for if Antonee can’t go, has an injury or is suspended in the World Cup is, who can fill his shoes?” Berhalter said in his media availability. “With Sammy Vines, I think this is a great opportunity to look at him. He’s a guy that is in the form of his life. I’ve been speaking closely with his coaching staff and they’ve been very impressed with him. The other option is to look at a right-footed player (at left back), which I’m sure we’ll do at this camp.”
Horvath, on loan in the English second tier with Luton Town from Premier League side Nottingham Forest, has made eight appearances and has kept a pair of clean sheets. He was called in for the first time since a less-than-steady performance against El Salvador in June.
The goalkeeping position for the U.S., normally its strongest asset, is currently up for grabs with four contenders. Zack Steffen will miss out due to injury, while Arsenal No. 2 Matt Turner and Sean Johnson from New York City FC were called in to camp.
“I think Matt Turner is in good form and as in a decent spot. … But we have Ethan Horvath playing every week at Luton, Sean Johnson playing every week at New York City. We have guys that are on the field,” Berhalter said. “Overall, it’s something we are just dealing with and will put them in the best possible position to perform well for us.”
The U.S. will play fellow World Cup finalist Japan on Sept. 23, with the game set for an early 6:30 a.m. MDT kickoff in Dusseldorf, Germany. Four days later, the U.S. will travel to Murcia, Spain, to face Saudi Arabia and kickoff will start at noon MDT.
