Quote Sheet:
Real Salt Lake Midfielder Kyle Beckerman
On getting called to the U.S. National Team:
“It's always an honor to get called in to play for the national team. Playing against the World Cup champions and a perennial contender in the World Cup and European Championships is really exciting.”
On the importance of these two friendlies:
“Anytime we have a chance to come together, it is a time to get better as a team. We don't have a lot of time together throughout the year so we have to make the most of it every time.”
On the biggest challenges against the Netherlands:
“The greatest challenge going against Holland is that they are a really great team. They have been together for quite a while with a lot of success and they have a lot of great players playing in top teams around the world.”
On using Germany as a barometer after facing them in the World Cup last year:
“The only true barometer would be to play them in the World Cup again but this will be a great test for us to see how we match up with them on the day.”
Real Salt Lake Goalkeeper Nick Rimando
On getting called to the U.S. National Team:
“It’s always an honor to get called up and represent your country. These games are especially important to me because my wife was born in the Netherlands and I’m looking forward to the challenge against two very good teams.”
On the importance of these two friendlies:
“It’s another opportunity to show the coaching staff what you can bring to the table and another camp to bond as a team and get on the same page before a very important tournament that we want to win on our home turf.”
On the biggest challenges against the Netherlands:
“I think the Netherlands is a very gifted team that goes back ages – a team that over the years has been one of the best in the world. They're quick, skillful and very organized so we have to play with the same confidence and shut down the key players.”
On using Germany as a barometer after facing them in the World Cup last year:
“It's another friendly that both teams will use to gage players and move the teams in the right direction. There will be some similar players from the World Cup but a lot of new faces so for me this game is another opportunity to see where we are as players and as a team in the world.”
