Part 7: Chivas...more USA than you would think

Sacha Kljestan                                                                         AP

Copa America.  It is one of the most prestigious and longest running international soccer tournaments in the world.  Batistuta, Pele, Cubillas, Maradona, Valderama, and Ronaldo are just some of the greats who have taken part.  On July 2nd of 2007, in only his second start for the Nats, Sacha Kljestan would find out first hand what all the fuss about Copa was all about. 

The road to the Nats for Kljestan was similar to many other players who have suited up in red, white, and blue.  There were the trial and tribulations of playing youth soccer growing up, and making the cut on a collegiate roster.  While playing at Seton Hall University, he saw ample time with the U-20's for World Cup qualifying.  With three favorable results, the USA qualified for the 2005 U-20 World Cup in the Netherlands.  Having made the squad, he didn't see any action until the final 1st round match vs. Egypt.   After a 1-0 victory against the Egyptians, the Americans were through to the Round of 16 where they would face Italy.  1st half success did not translate to 2nd half success as the Italians scored the tying, and go ahead goals by the 62nd minute.  With the match still in reach, Kljestan was subbed in for defender Greg Dalby in hopes of getting the tying goal.  10 minutes later he would find the back of the net beating Quentin Westberg.  Unfortunately for Kljestan, and the rest of the young Nats, Westberg was the American goalkeeper that day.  The own-goal brought the score to 3-1 in favor of the Italians and out of reach for the Americans.

Upon leaving Seton Hall, Kljestan made his way back home to Souther California where he was nominated as a rookie of the year candidate.  His exceptional play during the 2006 season caught the attention of United States coach Bob Bradley who would in time give Kljestan a shot with the Nats.  After months of waiting, he made his first appearance and first start during an international friendly vs. China that saw him line up along side fellow club teammates Ante Razov, Jonathan Bornstein, and Jesse March.  Due to fixture congestion, he did not make the cut for the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup that followed a week later.  He did however make the cut to be on the roster for a late June trip down to Venezuela for the 2007 Copa America.  The opponents for the opening round included Argentina, Paraguay, and Colombia.  

Amongst many US Soccer supporters, the less said about the United States participation at the 2007 Copa America, the better.  The tournament didn't yield the best results for the Americans as they lost all three matches in the 1st round and were sent home.  It didn't help matter that the team wasn't the best assembled either.  Regardless, for some like Kljestan, the tournament provided plenty of well deserved playing time and a taste of international competition on the senior level.  Following the three and out experience in South America, Kljestan got one more cap on the year coming on as a substitute in th 73 minute in a match vs. South Africa.  He helped preserve and 1-0 lead in a rare trip to Johannesburg. 

2008 would prove to be a breakout year for Kljestan on the club level.  This would lead to him receiving 12 caps on the year and recording two assists.  He also scored a goal vs. Canada as the United States U-23's qualified for the Summer Olympics in Beijing.  Following his two-goal Olympic escapades, he returned to the Nats to finish off the year's semifinal round of CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying.  The following January, Kljestan was called into camp for the friendly vs. Sweden.  It was there that had made history by scoring his first three goals for the Nats in the same match.  It was feat not accomplished since 1934 when Aldo "Buff" Doneli scored three goals in a 4-2 defeat of Mexico.

With 20 caps to his credit and with his ability to score and provide top notch passes, his potential for the Nats is limitless.  With plenty of World Cup Qualifiers left in the year, as well as a couple of international tournaments, the Huntington Beach native's best performances are still ahead of him.