U.S. Soccer announced today that D.C. United midfielder Chris Pontius has been called-up to the U.S. Men’s National Team for two friendly matches against Costa Rica and Belgium. Jurgen Klinsmann’s squad will host Costa Rica at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. on Sept. 2 and will then travel to Brussels to face Belgium on Sept. 6.
This selection marks Pontius’ second experience with the U.S. Men’s National Team, as he was called-up for a ten-day training camp in February of 2010 in preparation for a friendly match against El Salvador. Following the camp, the United midfielder was selected to the preliminary 20-player roster, though he was not included in the final 18-man game day roster.
Pontius is having a career year in 2011, as the California native has scored seven goals in 24 MLS matches (all starts). The midfielder also has two assists to his name. Following a tumultuous 2010 campaign, in which he missed much of the season with a hamstring injury, the 2009 MLS Rookie of the Year finalist has been one of United’s top performers this term. Pontius was selected by the Black-and-Red with the seventh overall pick in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft. He went on to play in 28 MLS matches (23 starts) during his rookie season, scoring four goals to accompany three assists.
