U.S. heads to World Cup with players struggling for game time
Brett Hull (Photo: AP)
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team’s first training camp of the 2016 season got off to a rocky start Saturday when a veteran player broke a bone in his foot.
The American Federation of Sports Media, which represents the MNT, issued its statement Saturday night after defender Steve Cherundolo broke the bone in his left foot during a scrimmage at U.S. Soccer’s Olympic Training Center in Carson, California.
“We are doing everything we can to get him back and get him in time next week,” said U.S. Soccer National Team Director of Player Development Richard Mazza.
“He had a very good training camp last year, was the leading scorer on the U-17 and U-18 teams and was an important player for the U-20.”
Cherundolo was in the midst of an injury-shortened season with the New England Revolution on loan from D.C. United when he sustained the injury during team-building work with his teammates.
He made his last appearance with United on a pre-season trip to Mexico City in early June.
Hull also participated in the scrimmage with injury, but he said the foot pain was a minor setback for the club-leader who is playing in his 10th major league season.
“I’m fine, I’m just a little bit sore,” Hull said. “I just want to be ready for Monday’s session.”
Hull said the pain will only increase through time.
The New England Revolution will play its home opener against the New York Red Bulls on Saturday.
Sebastian Velasquez, an eight-year veteran, had to be substituted Saturday, one day after he strained his right hamstring during a scrimmage with players from other MLS teams.
“It was going so well, but then I felt some pain with the movement and it just happened really quick,” Velasquez said. �
