The United States spent more than a decade trying to find a left back and, once they found one, he gets hurt. Fabian Johnson, who played marvelously in the Americans' last two matches, was injured while warming up for the U.S.'s match against Canada and has been pulled from the starting lineup. Edgar Castillo, who wasn't even going to be on the bench, will start in his place.
USA Vs. Canada: Fabian Johnson Injured, Edgar Castillo Will Start
There is no word on the severity of Johnson’s injury. He could just have the slightest of knocks and doesn’t think it is worth risking in a friendly, which it is not. It could also be more serious. Anything more than “he is not starting” is nothing more than speculation, but considering how long the U.S. has waited to find a left back, they are understandably freaking out by even the slightest possibility of Johnson being hurt.
On the flip side, this is a great opportunity for Castillo to prove himself. He was dreadful for a few years for club and country, but put in a great nine months for Club Tijuana this season so there is reason to have faith. There is still a question about his defense, especially considering he played for Xolos as a wingback and not a left back, but he could answer those questions in this match. At the very least he should be an asset getting forward, which the U.S. could use considering their struggles to generate width of late.
Make sure to check out the U.S. vs. Canada StoryStream for all of your pre-match, live and post-match coverage.
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