LEON, Mexico – Less than three months after debuting for the United States, Mexico-born goalkeeper William Yarbrough was named to the defending champion’s roster for the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
The Leon standout, who earned his first cap as a half-time substitute in a 1-1 friendly at Switzerland on March 31, was among three goalkeepers called up by head coach Jurgen Klinsmann.
“I am really happy, eager and proud,” said Yarbrough. “But I am also aware of the responsibility that comes with being part of a national team.”
Yarbrough made 15 appearances in the 2015 Liga MX Clausura for the Esmeraldas, but didn’t see any minutes during their 2014/15 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League campaign that ended after the group stage. He is looking forward to taking part in the Gold Cup as the Americans target a record-equaling sixth title.
“Klinsmann has told me that he is happy with my performance and I am thankful for this Gold Cup call-up,” continued Yarbrough. “I want to maximize each call-up and now I go into it with humility and with my feet on the ground and will try to make the most of this call-up. Whether it be in training session or in matches, I will give my very best.”
In April, Yarbrough was handed a second cap during the USA’s 2-0 victory over the country of his birth. When asked about a potential final with Mexico, the 26-year-old stressed that nobody involved in the program is looking that far ahead.
“You have to play match to match,” the two-time Liga MX champion expressed. “You have to focus on your group first. We are with the mentality of going match by match. First, we have to focus on the group stage and go step by step. CONCACAF teams continue improving their level. I think it will be a tight Gold Cup, different than previous editions.”
The U.S. will meet visiting Guatemala in a Gold Cup warm-up on July 3 in Nashville, Tennessee, before traveling to Frisco, Texas, to open the competition against Honduras four days later.
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