Former Missouri State Bear player Matt Pickens (2001-2003), starting goalkeeper for the Chicago Fire, was recently selected to participate in the US Men’s National Team Camp that will be run by new Interim Head Coach Bob Bradley and his assistant, Piotr Nowak.
U.S. Soccer today announced Chicago Fire goalkeeper Matt Pickens has been named to the 29-man roster that will participate in the upcoming U.S. Men’s National Team camp at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. Pickens was named to the roster by U.S. MNT Head Coach Bob Bradley as a replacement for Chivas USA goalkeeper and Homer Glen, Ill. native Brad Guzan, who will miss the camp after suffering a back injury earlier this month.
The Missouri State product made the most of his opportunity in the starting role by earning Honda Player of the Month honors for September, in which he went 4-2-0 with a 0.83 goals against average (GAA) in helping the Fire clinch its spot in the 2006 MLS Cup Playoffs. Pickens collected all four wins for Chicago during the team’s run to a fourth Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and finished the season with a 10-4-0 record, 1.06 GAA and four shutouts in regular season, Open Cup and playoff action combined.
The initial press release regarding the Camp can be seen by clicking on the link.
The camp will take place at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif., as the U.S. begins preparations for the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup and the 2007 Copa America. The first test for the Red, White and Blue in the New Year is against Denmark on Jan. 20 at The Home Depot Center (4:50 p.m. ET, ESPN2).
Hat tip to regular readers Andy, Duane & Pete who both pointed me to the story.
