Jeremy Mikula
CSNChicago.com
Chicago Fire goalkeeper Sean Johnson was called up to the U.S. national team Monday when head coach Jurgen Klinsmann released his 20-player squad for Wednesdays friendly with Russia.
Johnson, 23, has two previous caps with the U.S. and is available for selection due to the Fires elimination from the MLS Cup playoffs on Oct. 31.
There was obvious disappointed that we didnt make it further in the playoffs but Im looking forward now, Johnson told the Fires official website. Its a positive thing to be in with this group again and I think its an important thing for us. Im excited to be back with the guys again and looking forward to the game against Russia.
Johnson is one of three MLS players called up to the squad, joining Chivas USAs Juan Agudelo and Real Salt Lake keeper Nick Rimando. Meanwhile, Russia is currently ranked No. 9 in the world.
We ask for these games because they are big learning curves for us, Klinsmann said in a statement. We need to measure ourselves against the best teams out there and build even more confidence. We want to close the year in a very positive way and then go into a busy 2013 that includes World Cup qualifying, the Gold Cup and some exciting friendlies.
The U.S. will play Russia in Krasnodar at 9 a.m. CT on Wednesday.