Edgar Castillo will join the U.S. men's national team for the first time when he meets up with the squad for its upcoming friendlies against fellow World Cup participants Slovakia and Denmark. Castillo revealed that he has been called up for the U.S. friendlies in post-game interviews with Mexican media on Saturday evening. Sources confirmed the call-up to SBI on Sunday evening.
A native of New Mexico, Castillo will have his first chance to play for the United States since a change in FIFA rules allowed him to switch national team affiliations after having already appeared in friendly matches for the Mexican national team. Under the old FIFA rule, players could not make the switch after turning 21, but the new rule allows players of any age to make the switch as long as they met the necessary guidelines for eligibility.
A left back who is also capable of playing on the left wing, Castillo has enjoyed a strong season with Tigres since joining the club on loan from Club America. He has settled in as a quality starter on a side that won the 2009 SuperLiga title this past summer.
The U.S. team will face Slovakia on Nov. 14 before playing Denmark on Nov. 18. The full squad for the upcoming friendlies has yet to be finalized, but should be released by the end of this week.
What do you think of this development? Excited about the possibility of seeing Castillo make his USA debut? Think he can challenge Jonathan Bornstein for the starting job?
Share your thoughts below.
Ives Galarcep is an American soccer columnist for ESPNsoccernet.com and creator of SoccerByIves.net.
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