Chris Wondolowski named to United States Men’s National Team roster for 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup

In a somewhat surprising announcement, San Jose Earthquakes striker Chris Wondolowski was name to the U.S. Men’s National Team roster for this summer’s Gold Cup by head coach Bob Bradley. Wondolowski, who leads the Quakes in scoring thus far in 2011 with five goals, will be one of just six players from MLS to make the 23-man roster. He will remain with the Quakes through this Saturday’s MLS match at the Chicago Fire before being joining the USMNT training camp in Cary, North Carolina on Sunday.

When the announcement of Bradley’s 23-man roster was delayed until later in the day, many speculated that it was due to some late changes. In fact, there was at least one player decision that was made following a weekend’s worth of club soccer, but that wasn’t for the San Jose forward. Wondolowski and Quakes head coach Frank Yallop both shared that the invitation to be a part of the Gold Cup Squad came last Friday. Wondo consulted with his coach and the organization before confirming his acceptance with Bradley.

While the call-up to the national team is an honor for the once-capped 28-year old striker, his club team will miss his presence over the next month or so, in which time he could miss up to four MLS matches. The championship game of the Gold Cup falls on the same day as the Los Angeles Galaxy’s visit to Buck Shaw Stadium to play the Earthquakes. Losing Wondo for that contest will not sit well with supporters, but in trade the Galaxy will be without Landon Donovan that day either.