Real Salt Lake: Beckerman to be named to U.S. qualifier roster

There was a time when Kyle Beckerman wondered when, if ever, he'd be in serious consideration for minutes with the U.S. National Team.

At a time when many players are winding down their international careers, the veteran Beckerman is starting to get a look.

Beckerman will officially be named to the U.S. National Team today for its upcoming World Cup qualifying matches on Sept. 5 against El Salvador and Sept. 9 against Trinidad & Tobago.

"I was wondering a while ago why I wasn't getting called in, but I'm just really thankful for it. Try and make the most of it," said Beckerman, following Real Salt Lake's 4-0 win on Wednesday night.

The El Salvador match will be played at Rio Tinto Stadium, an environment that could work in Beckerman's favor for actual playing time in the match.

Beckerman has nine career international appearances, but six of those games came this summer in the CONCACAF Gold Cup. He was widely regarded as one of the best players in the United States during the tournament, something that coach Bob Bradley obviously agrees with.

The RSL captain's busy summer included playing in his first MLS All-Star Game at Rio Tinto Stadium on July 29.

E-mail: jedward@desnews.com