United States

Jordan Morris out for USMNT's clash with Mexico

Published Nov. 15, 2016 2:33 p.m. ET

Ryan Rosenblatt

Jordan Morris won't be part of the United States team that takes on Mexico and Costa Rica in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. The forward was originally named to the American roster, but he suffered a hamstring injury in the Seattle Sounders' playoff match on Sunday.

Jurgen Klinsmann has called in Alan Gordon to replace Morris, which is a somewhat surprising choice. Gordon hasn't played for the U.S. since his one appearance in last year's Gold Cup, but choosing Gordon does make sense. It was unlikely that Morris would start in either match and he was being looked at as an option off the bench to run at a tired opposing defense. Gordon won't strike much fear into defenses with his ability to run at them, but he is an effective sub whose physicality can cause teams problems. Klinsmann had a late-game sub in Morris go out and he went with another late-game sub to replace him.

This has been an interesting year for Morris. He scored 12 goals for the Sounders and is probably going to win MLS Rookie of the Year, but he was left off of the U.S. team for Copa America Centenario and will now miss out on their biggest World Cup qualifiers of the year. So while his club career not only started -- it really took off -- his international career has stagnated. All in all, a mixed year for the 22-year-old.

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