U.S. forward Jozy Altidore, top, jumps to avoid Jamaica defender Adrian Mariappa during the first half of a World Cup qualifier soccer match at Sporting Park in Kansas City, Kan., Friday, Oct. 11, 2013. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley) (The Associated Press)
Jozy Altidore was picked to captain the U.S. national team for the first time in Tuesday night's World Cup qualifier at Panama.
The 23-year-old forward, who plays for Sunderland, takes over from goalkeeper Tim Howard, who was captain for Friday's victory over Panama at Kansas City, Kan., and then returned to Everton.
Clint Dempsey, the regular American captain, is missing these qualifiers because of injuries.
The U.S. already has earned its seventh straight World Cup berth.
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