Lehi » Kyle Beckerman, the Real Salt Lake midfielder, was named to the U.S. National soccer team that will play in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, which begins next week.

Beckerman, who has started all 13 games this season for RSL, will play in Saturday's home match against Toronto FC before joining the U.S. Team, where he will serve as one of the only members of the roster to have major international experience.

"This is a great opportunity," Beckerman said after practice on Thursday. "I'm surprised, honestly. I didn't think I was going to get the call, but it's always great to be able to represent your country. I would like to go, play well, and maybe get a better position with the team."

Beckerman isn't the only RSL team member who will miss the next few weeks with the team. Midfielder Will Johnson is playing for Canada, Andy Williams is competing for the Jamaican team and Jean Alexandre will suit up for Haiti. Alexandre and Johnson have already departed Utah to join up with their squads. Williams, along with Beckerman, will be available on Saturday night.That leaves Real Salt Lake with a dearth of midfielders. Javier Morales remains a stalwart in the midfield, and Clint Mathis can swing from his forward spot to help out.

"It's a bittersweet day right now," RSL coach Jason Kreis said. "The chance to represent your country is something that can't be passed up. At the same time, it hurts the team. It unfortunately has an effect."

tjones@sltrib.com