Chandler set to start in Honduras, commit to US

Published: 10:20:38 AM, Tue 05 February 2013 UTC

Nearly two years after playing his first game for the United States, defender Timmy Chandler is set to commit his future to the Americans rather than leave open the possibility of playing for Germany.

With regular right back Steve Cherundolo sidelined by a knee injury, Chandler appears likely to start on Wednesday when the U.S. opens the final round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying at Honduras.

"It's a huge opportunity for Timmy," U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann said on Monday after announcing his 24-man squad.

Chandler, who turns 23 next month, became a regular for Nuremberg during the second half of the 2010-11 season.

"For me. It's going to be a great experience," Chandler said. "Everyone is saying how a big a game it is. It's like a derby in Germany."

A son of an American serviceman and German mother, the speedy Chandler was noticed by former U.S. defender Tony Sanneh, a one-time Nuremberg player who got him in touch with the American coaching staff.

Chandler made his U.S. debut in March 2011 against Argentina and played in eight games that year, but all were friendlies. He was not included in the 2011 Gold Cup squad by then-coach Bob Bradley, who said he wanted to give Chandler time off following his first Bundesliga season.

Chandler turned down Klinsmann's invitation for the U.S. training camp last May ahead of the opening qualifiers of the semifinal round, saying he wasn't ready to make a decision. He returned for the Nov. 14 friendly at Russia and said he was fully committed to the U.S. team.

"Everybody has welcomed me with open arms and I am here to do my best for the national team," Chandler said. "My dream is to represent the United States in a World Cup. This is a great team and I think we can do something special."

Chandler joins fellow German-Americans Jermaine Jones, Fabian Johnson and Danny Williams on the U.S. squad.

"I think he's simply just maturing. He's growing into his role as a fulltime professional," Klinsmann said. "We were very patient or are patient with Timmy to mature. For us coaches, it's the job to understand where certain players are. He still has a lot to improve. He still has a way to go."

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United States:

Goalkeepeers: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton), Sean Johnson (Chicago).

Defenders: Matt Besler (Kansas City), Carlos Bocanegra (Racing Santander), Geoff Cameron (Stoke), Edgar Castillo (Tijuana), Timmy Chandler (Nuremberg, Brad Evans (Seattle), Omar Gonzalez (Los Angeles), Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim), Michael Parkhurst (Augsburg).