Goalkeeper William Yarbrough excited by opportunity presented with USMNT
U.S. goalkeeper William Yarbrough said he did not hesitate for one second when the federation reached out to him about a potential callup to the squad to face Denmark and Switzerland.
Yarbrough is a dual citizen of the U.S. and Mexico after he was born in Mexico to American parents, but he had not received a callup to either senior national team prior to this international window.
U.S. Soccer officials recently reached out to Yarbrough -- the regular number one at Liga MX side Club León -- to gauge his interest in linking up with the squad for the first time during this European excursion. Yarbrough, 26, said he welcomed the opportunity with open arms.
"Communication started a few weeks ago with the staff from up here," Yarbrough said on Monday. "There was not much to think about when they let me know there was interest in me being a part of this roster that was coming up to these matches. I was excited. I couldn't ask for a better motivation. I'm just trying to do the best right now and take advantage of this opportunity."
This particular camp provided Yarbrough with a chance to stake his claim on a crowded U.S. goalkeeper depth chart with Brad Guzan, Nick Rimando, Bill Hamid and Sean Johnson already featuring prominently in the pecking order.
Yarbrough said he has enjoyed his first week with the team because his teammates have welcomed him into the fold willingly. He noted that his compatriots and U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann have gone out of their way to make him feel comfortable during his first steps with the team.
"They make you feel at home," Yarbrough said. "Usually, it's a hard process when you're a new guy on a new team. And it's the opposite way here, just the way everyone gets together and how tight the group is, it's amazing. That always helps when you're on your first roster."
Yarbrough must now wait to see whether Klinsmann will offer him the chance to make his debut. Rimando remains in the mix to make a second straight start, but Yarbrough might force his way into the reckoning as well.
Those decisions are out of Yarbrough's hands now, though. He opted to accept the callup presented to him. He and his American-flag emblazoned gloves are ready if Klinsmann asks him to play at any point on Wednesday night.
