Ihemelu, Hernandez Join US Camp

As expected, USMNT head coach Bob Bradley has called in a pair of MLS defenders to take the place of the recently-scratched Clarence Goodson and Cory Gibbs for the ongoing training camp in preparations for their friendly against Sweden later this month. Colorado Rapids defender Ugo Ihemelu and the San Jose Earthquakes’ Jason Hernandez are the latest to get the call to join Bradley in Carson and will suit up for Wednesday’s morning session.

Ihemelu, 25, is a four-year veteran of Major League Soccer, splitting his time between the Rapids and the Los Angeles Galaxy. A first-round draft pick (fifth overall in 2005), the Nigerian-born Ihemelu made 54 appearances for Los Angeles in 2005 and 2006, including playing all 390 minutes during the Galaxy’s successful postseason run to MLS Cup in ’05. He was traded to Colorado following the ’06 season along with popular striker Herculez Gomez in exchange for goalkeeper Joe Cannon, who lasted just one season in LA. With the Rapids, Ugo has made 43 appearances over the past two seasons and scored his first (and only) goal in October 2007 against Chivas USA. He has also made one appearance with the senior national team, coming in a 5-0 victory over Norway in January 2006.

Hernandez, also 25, has made 81 appearances in four MLS seasons, spending time with the New York/New Jersey MetroStars (2005), Chivas USA (2006-2007), and joining San Jose via the expansion draft in 2008. He made 28 starts for Frank Yallop’s side, tallying an assist in 2,451 minutes of play. He will by vying for his first cap with the USMNT, along with nine other players in the current camp.

Hernandez (left) and Ihemelu are the two latest players called to Carson.

* photos courtesy ISI Photos