CARSON, Calif. (Jan. 7, 2009) - U.S. head coach Bob Bradley has called in San Jose Earthquakes defender Jason Hernandez and Colorado Rapids defender Ugo Ihemelu to the national team training camp in Carson. The 25-year-old Hernandez is making his first-ever appearance in a national team camp. He has spent four seasons in MLS, having been drafted in 2005 by the MetroStars. After two seasons at Chivas USA, he moved to San Jose where he played in 28 games in 2008 for Frank Yallop.

Ihemelu has one previous international cap to his credit, gained when he appeared in a 2006 friendly against Norway. Ihemelu is a four year veteran of MLS, having helped the Galaxy to a U.S. Open Cup and MLS Cup double during his rookie season in 2005. In 2007 he moved to Colorado, where he has since made 43 appearances for the Rapids.

Hernandez and Ihemelu have been added to a defensive corps depleted by the absence of Clarence Goodson and Cory Gibbs. Both players have arrived in camp.

UPDATED U.S. ROSTER BY POSITION
GOALKEEPERS (4): Jon Busch (Chicago Fire), Will Hesmer (Columbus Crew), Troy Perkins (Valerenga IF), Matt Pickens (out of contract)
DEFENDERS (8): Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Danny Califf (FC Midtjylland), Sean Franklin (Los Angeles Galaxy), Jason Hernandez (San Jose Earthquakes), Ugo Ihemelu (Colorado Rapids), Chad Marshall (Columbus Crew), Chris Wingert (Real Salt Lake), Marvell Wynne (Toronto FC)
MIDFIELDERS (9): Geoff Cameron (Houston Dynamo), Brian Carroll (Columbus Crew), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Eddie Gaven (Columbus Crew), Stuart Holden (Houston Dynamo), Jack Jewsbury (Kansas City Wizards), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew), John Thorrington (Chicago Fire)
FORWARDS (4): Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Kenny Cooper (FC Dallas), Charlie Davies (Hammarby IF), Chris Rolfe (Chicago Fire)

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