The Associated Press
Andy Najar, who chose to play for Honduras rather than wait for U.S. citizenship, was among 23 players selected for the Catrachos’ World Cup roster.
The 21-year-old midfielder went to high school in Virginia and played for Major League Soccer’s D.C. United before his transfer to Belgium’s Anderlecht in January 2013. He announced in April 2011 he had chosen Honduras over the U.S., and he has one goal in 15 international appearances.
The roster announced Monday also included midfielders Roger Espinoza of Wigan and Wilson Palacios of Stoke.
Eleven players returned from the 2010 roster, including defenders Maynor Figueroa of Hull and Emilio Izaguerre of Glasgow Celtic. There are two newcomers: No. 3 goalkeeper Luis Lopez and defender Juan Pablo Montes.
Honduras has exhibition games on May 29 against Turkey in Washington, D.C.; Israel on June 1 at Houston; and England on June 7 at Miami Gardens, Florida, then plays in Group E with France, Switzerland and Ecuador.
The roster:
Goalkeepers: Donis Escober (Olimpia), Luis Lopez (Real Espana), Noel Valladares (Olimpia)
Defenders: Brayan Beckeles (Olimpia), Osman Chavez (Qingdao Jonoon. China), Maynor Figueroa (Hull, England), Juan Carlos Garcia (Wigan, England), Emilio Izaguirre (Glasgow Celtic, Scotland), Arnold Peralta (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland), Juan Pablo Montes (Motagua)
Midfielders: Marvin Chavez (Colorado, MLS).Jorge Claros (Motagua), Roger Espinoza (Wigan), Oscar Boniek Garcia (Houston, MLS), Luis Garrido (Olimpia), Mario Martinez (Real Espana, Honduras), Wilson Palacios (Stoke, England), Andy Najar (Anderlecht, Belgium)
Forwards: Jerry Bengtson (New England, MLS), Carlo Costly (Real Espana), Rony Martinez (Real Sociedad. Spain). Jerry Palacios (Alajuelense)
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