Honduras' World Cup Roster Includes 2 MLS Players And Virginia Kid Who Chose His Homeland Over U.S.

FILE - In this March 5, 2014, file photo, Honduras' Andy Najar, left, moves the ball away from Venezuela's Luis Manuel Seijas during their international friendly soccer match at Estadio Olimpico in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Najar, who chose to play for Honduras rather than wait for U.S. citizenship, was among 23 players selected for the Catrachos' World Cup roster. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo, File) (ap)

Associated Press – Andy Najar, who chose to play for Honduras rather than wait for U.S. citizenship, was among 23 players selected for the Catrachos' World Cup roster.

The 21-year-old midfielder went to high school in Virginia and played for Major League Soccer's D.C. United before his transfer to Belgium's Anderlecht in January 2013. He announced in April 2011 he had chosen Honduras over the U.S., and he has one goal in 15 international appearances since.

The roster announced Monday also included midfielders Roger Espinoza of Wigan and Wilson Palacios of Stoke.

Eleven players are returning from the country's 2010 World Cup roster, including defenders Maynor Figueroa of Hull and Emilio Izaguerre of Glasgow Celtic. There are two newcomers: No. 3 goalkeeper Luis López and defender Juan Pablo Montes.

Honduras has exhibition games scheduled on May 29 against Turkey in Washington, D.C., Israel on June 1 in Houston, and England on June 7 in Miami Gardens, Florida. At the World Cup, they will play in Group E with France, Switzerland and Ecuador.

The full Honduras roster, along with each player's club:

Goalkeepers: Donis Escober (Olimpia), Luis López (Real España), Noel Valladares (Olimpia)

Defenders: Brayan Beckeles (Olimpia), Osman Chávez (Qingdao Jonoon), Maynor Figueroa (Hull), Juan Carlos García (Wigan), Emilio Izaguirre (Glasgow Celtic), Arnold Peralta (Glasgow Rangers), Juan Pablo Montes (Motagua)

Midfielders: Marvin Chávez (Colorado, MLS).Jorge Claros (Motagua), Roger Espinoza (Wigan), Oscar Boniek García (Houston, MLS), Luis Garrido (Olimpia), Mario Martínez (Real España), Wilson Palacios (Stoke), Andy Najar (Anderlecht)

Forwards: Jerry Bengtson (New England, MLS), Carlo Costly (Real España), Rony Martinez (Real Sociedad), Jerry Palacios (Alajuelense)