It’s supposed to be a fast track to joining the world’s elite, but there are signs the U.S. national team’s raid on German-born players with U.S. serviceman fathers may not be so simple. Defender Timothy Chandler played for the U.S. in friendlies against Costa Rica and Belgium this month, but former D.C. United and U.S. defender Tony Sanneh, who also spent a portion of his career in Germany, tweeted Wednesday, “Rumor is chandler gonna play for germany. Lowe visits nberg today,” referring to German national team coach Joachim Loew and Chandler’s club team, FC Nurnberg.
Chandler, 21, has insisted on his commitment to the U.S.
“I’ve always wanted to play for the U.S. team,” he said in an interview with U.S. Soccer, but until he becomes cap-tied through competitive matches, such as the Olympics or World Cup qualifying, the fear that his allegiance is in doubt remains.
At the very least, it appears that despite Chandler’s intentions, the Germans aren’t quite resigned to letting young talent go so easily.
– Craig Stouffer
