USMNT to take on Korea Republic after January camp

The StubHub Center is going to be busy this offseason, hosting current Liga Mx champions Club America and Club Tijuana at the end of the month, and announced today the Center will host the US men's national team as they warm up for the World Cup against the Republic of Korea on February 1st.

The match is the annual first of the year bought for those who participate in the January camp. The early camp is usually held on the StubHub Center grounds and is geared toward the up and comers in the national team ranks. This year gower the team will gather in Carson on January 6th, then travel to their Brazil camp on January 12th according to Steve Davis. They'll fly back on January 25th ahead of the friendly.

"As a team that has qualified for Brazil, the Korea Republic will be another great benchmark for us," said U.S. head coach Jurgen Klinsmann. "They bring a different style of play than we have seen in the last two years, and that gives us a chance to grow. With only two or three games left before May, this will be an important opportunity for the players who will be finishing off the January camp. The message will be the same one we start with every time we get together: we are here to win."

Last year Omar Gonzalez used the camp to gain one of the starting center back spots for World Cup Qualifying, and it's possible Landon Donovan could use the camp to rehab from his injury this offseason. It's also possible this camp will be more focused on MLS talent which will feature in Brazil.

Korean coach Hong Myung-Bo spent two years with the LA Galaxy before retiring from the sport. This is the first time the national teams have met since the 2002 World Cup co-hosted by Korea and Japan. The World Cup draw will be held later this week.