28 August, 2017
Bundesliga-based star Christian Pulisic features again in coach Bruce Arena's squad for the United States' upcoming 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Costa Rica and Honduras.
.FORWARDS: Jozy Altidore, Clint Dempsey, Jordan Morris, Chris Wondolowski, Bobby Wood.
The 18-year-old Pulisic, who had a goal and three assists in a 6-0 qualifying victory over Honduras on March 24 then another assist on Clint Dempsey's 56th career US goal in a 1-1 draw at Panama four days later, scored Dortmund's first Bundesliga goal of the season in the 22nd minute of a 3-0 win against Wolfsburg on August 19.
That extended the USA unbeaten streak to 14 games (9-0-5) under Arena, who became the first coach to win three Gold Cup titles.
Third in the final CONCACAF qualifying group for the 2018 World Cup, the United States face Costa Rica in New Jersey on Friday and then visit Estadio Olimpico in San Pedro Sula for a September 5 clash with Honduras.
U.S. then travel to Honduras - fifth in the standings after six games - on September 5.
"I think we have the right understanding as a group as to what needs to be done, and hopefully we can be successful in these next two games". "We've called 26 players because we come into camp with six guys that have yellow cards, and we also have some players that are dealing with injury so we have to be smart".
Arena has guided the side to eight points from four qualifiers since taking over from Juergen Klinsmann, who was sacked after back-to-back losses to Mexico and Costa Rica left the United States dead last in qualifying. I think overall we have a pretty solid roster here. He was hurt in a German Cup win over fourth-tier club Eintracht Norderstedt.
The most notable absence is the DeAndre Yedlin, who has yet to play for Newcastle this season as he recovers from a hamstring injury. Lichaj and Matt Hedges provide depth at center back.
