February 14. That is the date circled on the calendar for American soccer fans who wish to see Dom Dwyer represent the U.S. Men's National Team because that is the date that Dwyer will be eligible to apply for his American citizenship.
So what's next for the English born striker? Dwyer has not been shy about his desire to represent the United States on the international stage.
“It’s a dream of any footballer to play on the international stage,” Dwyer told The Guardian last month. “Five years ago, no-one here know who I was. This year, I know if I play well and work hard, then things will take care of themselves. There’s a fantastic squad there. If I get selected, then I’d be honoured.”
But as anyone familiar with the national team understands, the desire needs to be reciprocated and even if a player deeply wants to play for the national team, the national team manager must want that player to play for him as well. In Dwyer's case, it seems as if the feelings are mutual.
ESPNFC's Doug McIntyre asked Bruce Arena about Dwyer ahead of Friday's friendly against Jamaica. Here was his response:
"Dom Dwyer, if he was healthy, I think I would've brought him into camp."
The MLS All-Star striker, who has scored 52 regular season goals over the past four season for Sporting KC, had surgery this past offseason to clean up bone spurs in his ankle. He has spent the first portion of Sporting KC's preseason, presented by Children's Mercy, rehabbing although Manager Peter Vermes said on Tuesday that Dwyer is progressing nicely.
"Dom already had a couple workouts on the field," Vermes said. "He’s getting closer and closer every day."
2017 is another busy year for the U.S. MNT with the Hex starting up against in March and the Gold Cup this summer. Arena has hinted that door is open for more players to feature for the national team this year but only time will tell if Dwyer is one player that will be walking through that door.
