Kyle Beckerman among U.S. callups for 2018 World Cup qualifiers

Kyle Beckerman is joining the U.S. national team once again — this time for the start of 2018 World Cup qualifiers.

But unlike previous years, this call-up doesn't come in the middle of MLS playoffs for Real Salt Lake — an oddity of the November window and the MLS schedule.

Beckerman is joined on the national team by a handful of regulars in the midfield — Michael Bradley, Mix Diskerud, Jermaine Jones — but also a new face, Darlington Nagbe, who has been tipped for national team action.

The U.S. will play on Nov. 13 against tiny St. Vincent and the Grenadines (two of their players called up feature for Seattle Sounders FC 2) and Nov. 17 against Trinidad and Tobago.

Additionally, both Demar Phillips (Jamaica) and Elias Vasquez (Guatemala) have been called up for their respective national teams.

U.S. Roster

GOALKEEPERS (3): Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Bill Hamid (D.C. United), Tim Howard (Everton)

DEFENDERS (8): Ventura Alvarado (Club America), Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City), Fabian Johnson (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Matt Miazga (New York Red Bulls), Michael Orozco (Club Tijuana), Tim Ream (Fulham FC), Brek Shea (Orlando City SC)

MIDFIELDERS (7): Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Michael Bradley (Toronto FC), Mix Diskerud (New York City FC), Miguel Ibarra (Club Leon), Jermaine Jones (New England Revolution), Darlington Nagbe (Portland Timbers), DeAndre Yedlin (Sunderland)

FORWARDS (5): Jozy Altidore (Toronto FC), Alan Gordon (LA Galaxy), Jordan Morris (Stanford), Bobby Wood (Union Berlin), Gyasi Zardes (LA Galaxy)