Graham Zusi Gets Second Call-Up to US Men's National Team

Sporting Kansas City midfielder Graham Zusi has received his second call-up to the US Men's National Team (USMNT) this year. He joined the rest of the squad Sunday at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex in his hometown of Orlando.

Zusi participated in his first camp last January and got his first cap in a match against Venezuela later that month.

In just his second game for the USMNT, Zusi scored his first international goal in the eighth minute against Panama on January 25th. His Sporting KC teammate, Teal Bunbury, got the assist.

In a statement released by the club, Zusi said he was extremely excited to get another opportunity with the national team.

"Any chance you get to represent your country is an honor," Zusi said. "I'm just very excited about these five games coming up, including the two World Cup qualifiers."

The USMNT will train in Orlando for the week, after which head coach Jurgen Klinsmann will name his final 23-man roster for upcoming friendlies against Scotland (Saturday in Jacksonville, FL), Brazil (May 30 in Landover, MD) and Canada (June 3 in Toronto).

The friendlies will prepare the team to begin qualification for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. The USMNT will take on Antigua & Barbuda in Tampa on June 8 before traveling to Guatemala for a match on June 12th.

In a quote sheet released by US Soccer, Klinsmann said, “Graham Zusi left a very strong impression in the January camp."

The 25-year-old Zusi is in his fourth season with Sporting KC. MLSSoccer.com named him their Breakout Player of the Year for 2011, with his five goals and nine assists in league play.

A product of the University of Maryland, Zusi signed a new four-year contract in February, and has started all 11 of the club's matches. Zusi scored the game-winner against the New England Revolution in the club's home opener on St. Patrick's Day and ranks second in the league with six assists.