Yet to play a professional match at the club level, Chicago Fire rookie defender Brandon Vincent earned his first career cap for the full U.S. Men’s National Team Friday night at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.
With the U.S. and Canada scoreless at halftime of their international friendly, head coach Jurgen Klinsmann made Vincent his first substitute of the night, inserting him at left back in place of Kellyn Acosta.
MORE: #SoccerTwitter Reacts to Vincent's First Cap
The appearance was the first competitive international match at any level for Vincent, who was added to Klinsmann’s January training camp roster on January 8. Six days later, the Chicago Fire made Vincent the No. 4 overall selection in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft.
Vincent was active from his left back position throughout his 45-minute shift Friday, regularly going forward and joining in the U.S. attack. In the 71st minute, Vincent came free in the penalty area and accepted a pass from former Stanford teammate Jordan Morris, placing his low left-footed shot on frame to force a kick save by Canada and Montreal Impact goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau.
The United States emerged with a 1-0 victory after Jozy Altidore (Toronto FC) headed home a service by Ethan Finlay (Columbus Crew SC) in the 89th minute for the game's lone goal. It was the second straight late winner for Klinsmann's side, which on Sunday came from behind to defeat Iceland, 3-2, when Steve Birnbaum (D.C. United) converted a header off a 90th-minute set piece.
VIDEO: B. Vincent Collegiate Highlights
Vincent joined Chicago Fire teammates Sean Johnson and Matt Polster in the January camp. All three are expected to return to club duties Monday in Tampa, where Veljko Paunovic's side is conducting the first leg of its off-site preseason training. The Fire are set for a friendly vs. the University of South Florida at 4 p.m. CT Saturday (Feb. 6) in a match to be streamed live on Chicago-Fire.com.
The Fire open the 2016 MLS campaign at home on March 6 vs. NYCFC.
