Jorge Villafana called into USMNT’s January camp

Santos Laguna left back Jorge Villafana is finally getting a chance to represent the United States men’s national team. According to his Instagram account, he’s joining Bruce Arena’s squad ahead of this weekend’s friendly against Serbia in San Diego.

Many expected this moment to come for the 27-year-old a year or so ago when he was a huge of the Portland Timbers winning the MLS Cup and earned a transfer to Liga MX. However, Jurgen Klinsmann never called and the moment passed. Unfortunately, Villafana’s form has dipped as of late, resulting in a loss of the starting job with his club. Ironically, that demotion has freed him to join the USMNT finally.

Villafana was born in Anaheim, California and is eligible to play for both the USA and Mexico. This will be the first time he’s ever accepted a call-up from either country on the senior level. He has represented the U.S. at the U-20 and U-23 levels.

This will be a big chance to prove to Arena that he belongs.