Kyle Beckerman and Nick Rimando have long been vital cogs in the machine of Real Salt Lake’s success since both joined the team in 2007. U.S. National Team Head Coach Jurgen Klinsmann is now utilizing that leadership and championship pedigree within his squad as the team readies for the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
In an article by Doug McIntyre on ESPNFC.com, sited Klinsmann’s postgame quotes after the U.S. topped Germany 2-1 last month.
"Kyle Beckerman is, I think, the most underrated player coming out of the last World Cup,” Klinsmann said after the match. “He cleans things up and he makes everyone around him look better because he's doing the dirty work and that makes it easier for us.”
Added McIntyre, “If those words sum up how Klinsmann views Beckerman, they also apply to Nick Rimando, Beckerman's longtime RSL teammate. … And while Klinsmann confirmed that Brad Guzan will be the Yanks' starting goalkeeper this month, it's also clear that Rimando still has an important role to play.”
"I think Jurgen knows what I bring on and off the field," Rimando told McIntyre. "Sometimes the off-field stuff is more important. If a guy is down or not on his game, encouragement from a teammate can be more useful than from a coach or staff member. I think Jurgen knows that I can bring that in the locker room, [or the team] hotel."
The U.S. National Team faces Guatemala on Friday in a friendly in Nashville before starting Gold Cup Group Stage play on July 7.
To read McIntyre’s full story, click here.
