Wil Trapp called into U.S. National Team January camp

Wil Trapp's busy offseason is only getting busier as he was called into the U.S. National Team's January training camp today. Trapp will train with the team starting on January 12th and plans to remain with the team until camp breaks on February 8th. The National Team plays in Chile on January 28th and Panama on February 8th in California.

Trapp received word over the holidays when U.S. head coach Jurgen Klinsmann gave Trapp the good news. It was the first time that the youth team standout had a chance to talk directly with Klinsmann, but Trapp already had a clear understanding of what he wants to do. Trapp wants to be the team's "metronome" much like Real Salt Lake's Kyle Beckerman.

While Beckerman won't be in camp, there are plenty of veterans to lead the way, a prospect that excites Trapp. Referring to World Cup veterans like Michael Bradley, Jermaine Jones and the five other vets from Brazil, "Those are guys I look up to, and you have to strive to be like them." Adding "Being able to be there every day in training and learn from them as well as compete against them will hopefully do wonders for me"

This may be Trapp's first senior team camp, but he's had a wealth of support. He was able to turn to team captain and U.S. veteran Michael Parkhurst. Parkhurst has been part of the national team under Klinsmann and could prepare him for the rigors of national team duty. That support extended to the Crew SC staff. Gregg Berhalter, Josh Wolfe, and Frankie Hejduk have combined for nearly 200 senior team caps and each was able to help Trapp understand the expectations that comes with pulling on the National Team jersey.

Trapp should be ready as soon as camp starts. He's been part of a group of a dozen or so Crew SC players that have been remaining fit during the offseason training in town, but he'll put his work with Columbus aside and focus on the National Team.

The Gahanna born Trapp has quickly become a key part of Crew SC's resurgence. After signing a homegrown contract before the 2013 season, he jumped into the starting lineup by midseason. He started 16 games for finish out 2013 and then started 28 games during the 2014 season. Trapp has played extensively for U.S. Soccer's Youth teams, including making three starts in the 2013 Under-20 World Cup. He is one of 12 Olympic age-eligible players on the squad.