/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/52751975/usa_today_9643820.0.jpg)
Head coach Bruce Arena has called in LA Galaxy goalkeeper Brian Rowe to the U.S. Men’s National Team annual January training camp at the StubHub Center, while Stefan Frei departs with a right ankle sprain.
NEWS: @LAGalaxy goalkeeper @Rowe_Brian_ has joined #USMNT #JanuaryCamp, replacing the injured @Stefan24Frei: https://t.co/8KbN4QnSjT pic.twitter.com/dnhtF8LB6w
— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) January 14, 2017
With four domestic keepers already in camp in addition to Tim Howard, Brad Guzan and Bill Hamid, the competition for spots is formidable. However, Rowe has earned the opportunity with his excellent form in goal last season, racking up nine clean sheets and 113 saves.
At the very least, the camp should provide a valuable learning experience for the young-ish keeper.
The U.S. will begin the 2017 campaign with a friendly against Serbia on Jan. 29 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, Calif. Kickoff for Arena’s first match back in charge of the U.S. MNT is set for 1 p.m. PT, and will be broadcast live on ESPN2 and UniMas.
Five days later, the MNT will make its first visit to Chattanooga, Tenn., on Feb. 3 when they host regional rival Jamaica. Kickoff in front of an expected capacity crowd of 20,000 at Finley Stadium is set for 7 p.m. ET, and the match will be broadcast live on FS1 and UniMas (simulcast on UDN). Follow both matches on U.S. Soccer’s official Facebook, Twitter (@ussoccer) and Instagram (@ussoccer) accounts.