Darlington Nagbe Now Eligibile for USMNT

According to Merritt Paulson, Portland Timbers CEO and owner, Timbers midfielder Darlington Nagbe officially became a United States citizen yesterday.

Nagbe has been frequently discussed as a potential U.S. National Team Player, but until recently he wasn't eligible. He will now be available for National Team selection as soon as he applies for and is granted a U.S. passport.

Nagbe received his Green Card in 2012 and his wife Felicia is an American. Nagbe was born in Monrovia, Liberia and his family fled the country before his first birthday due to the Liberian Civil War. His father Joe Nagbe is a former Liberian international who spent many years playing in Europe.

Nagbe began his MLS career in 2011, after being drafted second overall by the Portland Timbers. The former Akron Zips standout scored 19 goals and 19 assists in 73 matches over the course of three years at Akron. Nagbe has made approximately 154 appearances for the Timbers and scored 20 goals since his 2011 debut.

While undoubtedly talented, Nagbe is not a player who possess incredible stats. He has only 2 goals and three assists in 28 MLS matches this year.

Nagbe is a technically gifted player who possess an excellent motor. He is typically deployed as a box-to-box center midfielder although he is quite versatile. Nagbe's stats may suffer due to his versatility and the fact that he does not consistently play the same position. He has played matches at every midfield position and even as a striker.

Nagbe is unlikely to be called in for the USMNT's Confederations Cup Playoff against Mexico on October 10th, although it wouldn't be surprising to see him capped during World Cup Qualifiers in November or during January friendlies.