The San Jose Earthquakes were well represented in international play Wednesday night as Ramon Sanchez and Arturo Alvarez suited up for their native El Salvador in a 2-1 loss against the United States in Tampa, Fla.
Sanchez wore the captain's band and played a full 90 minute along with Alvarez. The duo helped keep the United States on the ropes as La Selecta tallied in the 59th minute to take a 1-0 lead. Alvarez took advantage of a U.S. mistake to help set up Rudy Corrales' go-ahead goal.
Brian Ching and Sacha Kljestan scored for the United States. Ching equalized in the 74th minute and Kljestan put the Americans on top in the 90th minute.
Both Alvarez and Sanchez have earned praise from the Earthquakes' staff during pre-season training. Wednesday's call-up was Alvarez's sixth appearance for La Selecta while Sanchez has made over 50 caps for the national side.
Alvarez and Sanchez will next play for El Salvador against Guatemala next Wednesday, March 3 in San Salvador's Estadio Cuscatlan. Fellow Earthquake Simon Elliott will also suit up next week for New Zealand in a friendly against Mexico at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Both matches will kick off at 8 p.m.
