Just as Andy Najar is on the verge of his working his way back into D.C. United starting lineup, the start of his international career with Honduras is steadily creeping into the picture.
After a solid showing as a second-half substitute against Houston on Friday, Najar is expected back among D.C.’s first 11 when the Seattle Sounders visit RFK Stadium tonight. Najar hasn’t started for United (2-4-1) since the second match of the season.
“I’m so happy for the opportunity [United head coach Ben Olsen] gave to me last time,” Najar said on Tuesday. “I’m working hard, and we’re preparing for the match tomorrow.”
At the same time, Honduran soccer federation president Rafael Leonardo Callejas said in a report today that the 18-year-old is among the preliminary list of 30 players that will be called into the Honduran national team for this summer’s CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Najar announced last month that he would represent the country of his birth, should they call on him, and the response was immediate that Najar would be called into the Honduran national team for the first time ahead of a friendly against El Salvador at Houston’s Robertson Stadium on May 29. An appearance in that match would tie Najar to Honduras permanently. Najar expects to get the official call next week.
In the meantime, Najar is focused on helping D.C. United get back on track.
“We have to find ourselves, and we have to work hard,” he said. “We have three games at home, so we have to work hard and get the three points.”
