This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
With the 2011 Major League Soccer season behind them, four members of the Real Salt Lake midfield — Jean Alexandre, Kyle Beckerman, Luis Gil and Will Johnson —have joined their national teams in preparation for FIFA's upcoming international calendar. Beckerman will once again play on the U.S. men's national team. The United States is preparing for international friendlies against France and Slovenia. Beckerman has made four appearances — including three starts — in Team USA's last five games. Gil will get his first look with the U.S. Under-23 side after being called up as a late addition to the squad. The United States will be taking part in a camp in Duisburg, Germany, through Nov. 16 in preparation for the CONCACAF Olympic qualifying tournament in March. Johnson continues to help Canada march toward advancement during CONCACAF region qualifying for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil next week. Canada currently sits in the driver's seat of Group D, needing only one point from its final two contests to claim first-place in their group and advance to Round 3 of World Cup qualifying. Alexandre will also attempt to help steer his country, Haiti, through CONCACAF regional qualifying for the World Cup. The task will be a tough one, however. Haiti must overcome a two-point deficit behind Group F pacesetter Antigua & Barbuda.