Photo by ISIphotos.com
by GIANFRANCO PANIZO
When American-born San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Arturo Alvarez stated his public desire to play for the El Salvador National Team last week, it was upsetting news for USA fans who considered him a viable left wing prospect and thought they were losing yet another prospect to a foreign country.
Upon closer inspection, Alvarez will be denied the opportunity to join Los Cuscatlecos. Alvarez represented the United States at the U-20 level in the qualification tournament for the 2005 FIFA Youth World Championship. With Alvarez currently being 23 years old, he can no longer apply for the one-time National Team switch. Per FIFA guidelines, a player can only make the change before his 21st birthday, which means that the Houston native can only play for the U.S. national team.
A high-ranking source at U.S. soccer confirmed on Saturday that Alvarez can only play for the United States.
Alvarez played for the USA under Sigi Schmid on two occasions in 2005 Under-20 World Cup qualifying tournament, a 69-minute start against Costa Rica and a 13-minute appearance off the bench against Panama.
What do you think of Alvarez attempting to play for El Salvador? Think he was tired of waiting for a call from the U.S. national team? Think he is worthy of a call-up? Think this stunt should keep him from getting called up again? Do you see Alvarez trying to appeal to FIFA to be allowed to play for El Salvador?
Share your thoughts below.
