U.S. Soccer announced on Tuesday that San Jose defender Steven Beitashour and Colorado forward Edson Buddle have both left Jurgen Klinsmann's January camp due to injury.
While unfortunate, Beitashour's departure opens the door wider for RSL defender Tony Beltran to pick up his first U.S. senior cap in the Americans' Jan. 29 friendly against Canada at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston. Beltran, New York defender Connor Lade and Hertha Berlin youngster Alfredo Morales are now the only three right backs in Klinsmann's camp. Beltran is by far the most experienced of the three, with his 110 professional regular season appearances dwarfing Lade's 26 and Morales's 11.
Of course, Beltran isn't the only RSL player currently in U.S. camp. Captain Kyle Beckerman is also training with the national team in Carson, Calif. He's been a favorite of Klinsmann's since the German took over in August 2011, regularly appearing for Klinsmann in friendlies and World Cup Qualifiers alike.
Let's hope Beltran and Beckerman get the start next Tuesday against Canada. They've both certainly earned it with their stellar play on the field and hard work off of it.
Both players are expected to return to RSL for the Claret-and-Cobalt's third and final preseason leg from Feb. 11-24 at the FC Tucson Desert Diamond Cup in Tucson, Ariz.
