He may have only played 13 minutes on Sunday, but Benny Feilhaber's second-half cameo was enough to impress fans and pundits alike.
The Sporting Kansas City midfielder made his long-awaited national team return in a 0-0 friendly draw against Serbia, adding verve and creativity to the U.S. attack during the final quarter-hour. Feilhaber's first cap since February 2014 saw him finish tied atop the MLSsoccer.com player ratings, which also put in a good word for midfielder-turned-right back Graham Zusi.
"Back in the USMNT fold after four years on the outside looking in, Feilhaber quickly proved he can still ask questions of the opposing defense," wrote Greg Seltzer. "His stoppage time outside-of-the-boot entry feed was classy."
Zusi played the full 90 minutes on the right side of Bruce Arena's four-man back line, effectively shepherding Serbia's forwards throughout the afternoon at San Diego's Qualcomm Stadium. Added Seltzer: "The Sporting KC veteran showed he could aid the attack from right back, and stayed tight to his man when Serbia worked into his corner."
The Sporting Kansas City duo will remain with the U.S. for Friday's friendly against CONCACAF rival Jamaica at Finley Stadium in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. CT on FS1 and UniMas.
Afterward, Feilhaber and Zusi will join Sporting KC for the club's second phase of the 2017 preseason, presented by Children's Mercy, which runs from Feb. 14-25 in Tucson, Arizona.
