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Real Salt Lake right back Tony Beltran could be set for a call-up to the U.S. Men's National Team for 2014 World Cup qualifying, the first match of which takes place on Friday against Costa Rica.
Ever-reliable Sporting News journalist Brian Straus reported that Beltran and San Jose Earthquakes full back Justin Morrow are the only full backs on the roster.
Hearing Tony Beltran and Justin Morrow are only outside backs on roster. No Bocanegra. Jermaine Jones only German-American coming.
— Brian Straus (@BrianStraus) March 18, 2013
Tony Beltran's first call-up to the national team came in January; he played 45 minutes at right back in a 0-0 draw against Canada. He's played in all three of Real Salt Lake's matches this season and made more appearances than any other RSL player in 2012.
The USMNT roster is set to be released later today; Nick Rimando is widely expected to be called up, while Kyle Beckerman could have a shot as well. If they are selected, Real Salt Lake will be left in a tight spot for Saturday's match against FC Dallas with at least four veteran players unavailable through international absence, as striker Alvaro Saborio will be playing with Costa Rica.