Beckerman captains USMNT for first time; Beltran starts for first cap

Kyle Beckerman has been handed the captain's armband ahead of tonight's friendly against Canada, marking the first time he has been named captain for his country.

Tony Beltran, in line for his first international cap, has been handed a start as well, making this a dual-honor day for Real Salt Lake players. It also marks the first time since Feb. 24, 2010, that two Real Salt Lake players have lined up for the U.S., when both Beckerman and goalkeeper Nick Rimando started in a 2-1 win against El Salvador.

Kyle Beckerman is not the first Real Salt Lake player to have been handed the captain's armband while at the club — that honor falls to Eddie Pope in January 2006. (Much thanks to @A24Brett for the research.)

Beckerman has earned rave reviews from USMNT coach Jurgen Klinsmann for his leadership during this January camp.

USMNT lineup

S. Johnson; Beltran, Gonzalez, Besler, Morrow; Beckerman (C), Zusi, Davis, Evans; Wondolowski, E. Johnson