Feb. 3, 2007
NEWCOMER NAMOFF GETS CHANCE
Earns first cap under Bob Bradley
By Andrea Canales, LASoccerNews.com Associate Editor

With the spotlight on the rookie debuts of goalscorers Kenny Cooper and Jonathan Bornstein, it probably went unnoticed by many that DC United defender Brian Namoff also earned his first international cap against Denmark as well.

Unlike Kyle Beckerman, who also got his first cap in the game, Namoff was never a star for the U.S. youth national teams. One of the people most surprised when Namoff heard from U.S. interim coach Bob Bradley back in December might have been the player himself.

“When I got the first call, I’d just started training – just started running to become fit for preseason, going into the MLS season,” recalled Namoff. “I had no expectations of getting the call. My reaction was one of shock and disbelief, and at the same time one of, ‘This is what I’ve always wanted.’ I’ve always been looking forward to that call. Once I got it, it was kind of surreal. I was just overjoyed. I’d aspired to come here. You always dream of playing for your country.”

Like Bornstein, Namoff is a defender converted from the midfield, but with a longer tenure in the back, has proven himself as one of the steadiest options in Major League Soccer. Despite that veteran status, going into the national team camp took Namoff back to his days as a young player.

“Training with these guys each and every day has been something that I’ve wished and hoped for since I was ten years old,” he recounted.

Being thrilled to arrive at camp didn’t deter Namoff from proving that he belonged.

“I try to be as competitive as I can,” explained the defender, who typically performs as a right back. “I consider my work rate to be kind of an advantage, throughout each day and throughout the course of the camp.”

As a substitute, Namoff spelled the Galaxy’s Chris Albright in the match against Denmark and helped keep the Danes off the board during his time in the game. Namoff impressed Bradley enough to be one of the players who made the roster for the match versus Mexico.

“It is a new slate,” said Namoff of training with the new U.S. coach. “It’s one for me to show that each and every day, no matter the circumstances, you’re going to get a hundred and ten percent from me.”

That sort of effort is the kind that will be needed against a formidable Mexico squad. Namoff was wary of the U.S.’s squad’s tough regional rival.

“It’s one we take with precaution,” he said of the upcoming match. “That’s why we’ve been working so hard each and every day during this second camp that we have. We feel like our legs have finally gotten under us and we’ve started to focus more on becoming a unit, working as a team. It fills me with excitement to be able to play such a great team – on an international scale they’re one of the best. Our last couple of meetings with them have been very intense and physical and that’s something that’s sure to repeat.”

Though Namoff has performed in front of big crowds before, he admitted that the expected atmosphere of the international contest would be a notch different.

“It’s definitely a new experience,” Namoff attested. “I hear the stadium is going to be packed. I’ve been in a few competitions – through CONCACAF and playing some friendlies, like against Real Madrid, where some of the top players were there, but it’s never been on this kind of scale.”

Still, he didn’t expect to be fazed, focusing instead on the positive aspects.

“It’s something I’m just taking step by step and enjoying all the way,” said Namoff. “Being given the opportunity the suit up is something that I look forward to and aspire to achieve.”

Though hopeful of seeing more playing time, Namoff was concentrating on performing at his best in the daily practices. After all, one pleasant surprise after another had rewarded his hard work thus far.

“It’s been a dream come true, so far,” described Namoff. “I can’t say anything more about it. There’s not too many words that I can use to explain the feeling you have once you step on the field, representing your country.”