By DAN KARELL
Following a widely-reported bust-up with Honduras National Team head coach Luis Fernando Suarez and not featuring in the last six games for the New England Revolution, it seemed unlikely that Jerry Bengtson would be called into his national team squad for two key qualifiers next month.
However, after reportedly apologizing to his coach and teammates, Bengtson has been recalled to the squad and will be available to feature against Mexico on September 6 in Mexico City and against Panama four days later in Tegucigalpa.
Joining Bengtson on the squad is Houston Dynamo designated player Oscar Boniek Garcia and San Jose Earthquakes duo Marvin Chavez and Victor Bernardez.
The New England Revolution forward was reportedly upset at his head coach’s refusal to play him in a 2-0 victory against Panama in June, making his feelings known and then leaving the squad as they arrived in the United States to prepare for their match against the U.S. Men’s National Team.
Here are some more stories to read from around Major League Soccer:
CALDERON RETURNS FOR RAPIDS IN RESERVE MATCH
Once injury-riddled, the Colorado Rapids are coming closer to having their full roster available to them.
On Tuesday, defender Diego Calderon, who suffered a serious knee injury on March 23, played his first minutes for the club since the injury in a reserve league match against Chivas USA. The 26-year-old Ecuadorian started the match and played 45 minutes in the 1-0 defeat.
Also returning from injury for the Rapids was Atiba Harris, who has been struggling with a quad strain, and Brian Mullan, who put in a 90 minute shift on his way back from various leg injuries this season.
TAYLOR CALLED UP TO JAMAICAN SQUAD
Though his nation’s football federation hasn’t officially announced it yet, the Houston Dynamo announced on Tuesday that Jermaine Taylor has been recalled to the Jamaican National Team for their two World Cup qualifying matches next month.
Taylor, who missed his side’s June qualifying matches due to a shoulder injury, should help provide depth and experience to a defense that desperately needs it after four defeats in a row. If Jamaica still wants to qualify for next year’s World Cup in Brazil, they must take maximum points from their four remaining games, which start with a trip to Panama on September 6 and a home match on September 10 against Costa Rica.
This season, Taylor has featured 20 times for his side, recording one assist and helping to concede the third-fewest goals so far this season.
CHIVAS USA INKS FORMER ACADEMY PRODUCT
After four years away from the club, Peruvian midfielder Carlos Chueca has returned to Chivas USA, the club announced on Tuesday, signing a contract pending the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P-1 Visa.
The former Chivas USA academy member, who joined as a 12-year-old in 2005, left for Belgian club Anderlecht in 2009 to join their youth academy. After two years with the team, which included stints in the reserves, he move to R.A.E.C. Mons and signed professional terms.
Unfortunately for the now 20-year-old, he never made an official appearance for the club, making the game-day squad on four occasions but not seeing the field.
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What do you think of this news? Surprised that Bengtson was recalled? Do you see Calderon finding a place in the Rapids regular starting XI? Do you see Taylor helping solidify the Jamaican defense?
Share your thoughts below.