Galaxy’s Landon Donovan, Edson Buddle to join U.S. national team

Galaxy forwards Landon Donovan and Edson Buddle were called up to the U.S. men’s national soccer team Thursday, ahead of its Feb. 29 friendly with Italy in Genoa.

The U.S. is on a roll under new coach Juergen Klinsmann, having won its last three Neither Donovan nor Buddle played in any of those matches.

“I’m excited about getting everybody together and challenging a world-class team like former World Cup winner Italy on their home soil. I think we have put a very competitive roster together,” Klinsmann said.

The team the U.S. will take to Italy is heavy with European-based players, with nine leagues from eight countries represented on the 21-man roster. Donovan and Buddle are two of just four players from Major League Soccer teams to get called up.

The Galaxy is currently in Tucson, preparing for next month’s CONCACAF Champions League game in Toronto and the MLS season opener. Buddle and Donovan, who are scheduled to leave for Italy on Sunday, are expected to be back in time for both matches.

Donovan, who has 138 international caps, recently finished a successful loan to Everton of the English Premier League. Bubble has played 10 times for the national team.

The U.S. begins World Cup qualifying in June.

U.S. roster by position

Goalkeepers(3) :Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)
Defenders (7) :Carlos Bocanegra (Rangers), Geoff Cameron (Houston Dynamo), Timmy Chandler (Nürnberg), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96), Clarence Goodson (Brondby), Michael Parkhurst (FC Nordsjaelland), Jonathan Spector (Birmingham City)
Midfielders (6) : Michael Bradley (Chievo Verona), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim), Jermaine Jones (Schalke 04), Jose Torres (Pachuca), Danny Williams (Hoffenheim)
Forwerds(5) :Jozy Altidore (AZ Alkmaar), Terrence Boyd (Borussia Dortmund), Edson Buddle (L.A. Galaxy), Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Landon Donovan (L.A. Galaxy)

RELATED:

Edson Buddle returns to Galaxy

Juninho will come back to Galaxy on loan

Ralph Perez: Southern California’s soccer devotee