Two New York Red Bulls Called Up For Upcoming National Team Friendlies

Jurgen Klinsmann announced his 24-player roster for upcoming friendlies against Costa Rica and Belgium on Thursday, a list that includes New York Red Bulls Tim Ream and Juan Agudelo for the second time since Klinsmann took over the reins of the national team.

In the United States' last match, a 1-1 draw in a friendly against Mexico, Tim Ream was not in the lineup or on the bench, a decision that was attributed to an apparent minor injury picked up in training (Ream played ninety minutes three days later for the Red Bulls). Juan Agudelo, on the other hand, contributed as a substitute to a second half U.S. resurgence along with fellow subs Brek Shea and Robbie Rogers.

Not surprisingly, former New York goalkeeper Tim Howard was called in as Klinsmann's first choice between the posts, but one notable absence will be Michael Bradley as he was left off the roster to sort out his club situation. While it will be an interesting change to see the U.S. play without Bradley in the midfield, hopefully he lands with a club where he can continue to develop and see regular playing time - something he hasn't gotten at the club level for quite some time.

Neither Ream or Agudelo are having particularly memorable years for the Red Bulls, and strong performances may give them both a much-needed boost heading down the final stretch of the MLS season. Competition for playing time will be stiff, however, as Klinsmann has called in many of his first-choices that were absent for the Mexico friendly, including Clint Dempsey and former Red Bull Jozy Altidore. In addition, Clarence Goodson will make his debut for Klinsmann at centerback after returning from injury and Teal Bunbury will get a look at forward despite also going through a bit of a sophomore slump for Sporting Kansas City.

Both Ream and Agudelo should be back in time to rejoin New York for their next match against the Vancouver Whitecaps at Red Bull Arena on September 10.