Stu Holden named to 23-man U.S. World Cup roster

// May 26th, 2010 // Updates

The United States Soccer Federation today announced that Stu Holden is one of 23 players selected to the World Cup team. For Holden, this will be his first World Cup.

“I’ve dreamed about playing in a World Cup ever since I was a kid,” Holden said. “It is quite surreal to know now that I am on the plane to South Africa to represent my country. I can’t wait for June 12th when those dreams become a reality.”

In 2009, Holden made his first appearance for the USA’s National Team in the Gold Cup where he had an immediate impact by scoring the USA’s first goal of the tournament. He was later named to the Gold Cup’s All-Tournament Team.

Holden was also a member of 2008 Olympic team and was in the starting line-up for the USA’s final two World Cup qualifying matches in October 2009. In total, Holden has 13 caps and has scored two goals for the National Team.

Holden, 24, played 90 minutes last night in 4-2 loss to the Czech Republic in an exhibition game. He started the match at right midfield but played much of the second half in the center.

FULL USA ROSTER

GOALKEEPERS (3): Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton), Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton)

DEFENDERS (7): Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover), Jay DeMerit (Watford), Clarence Goodson (IK Start), Oguchi Onyewu (AC Milan), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United)

MIDFIELDERS (9): DaMarcus Beasley (Rangers), Michael Bradley (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Ricardo Clark (Eintracht Frankfurt), Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Benny Feilhaber (Aarhus), Stuart Holden (Bolton), José Torres (Pachuca)

FORWARDS (4): Jozy Altidore (Villarreal), Edson Buddle (Los Angeles Galaxy), Robbie Findley (Real Salt Lake), Herculez Gomez (Puebla)

UPCOMING SCHEDULE

May 29: USA vs. Turkey (Philadelphia, Pa.) – exhibition match

June 5: USA vs. Australia (Roodepoort, South Africa) – exhibition match

June 12: USA vs. England (Rustenburg, South Africa) – 1st round World Cup match

June 18: USA vs. Slovenia (Johnnesburg, South Africa) – 1st round World Cup match

June 23: USA vs. Algeria (Tshwane/Pretoria, South Africa) – 1st round World Cup match