:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/18831451/20130709_pjc_aa8_184.0.jpg)
Revolution fans might get a chance to see former defender Michael Parkhurst play for the United States after a solid 2013 Gold Cup campaign.
Parkhurst will replace Seattle Sounders midfielder/defender Brad Evans, who picked up a calf injury in Seattle's 1-0 win over the Crew on Saturday. While the injury doesn't appear serious as Evan's own post game update from the Seattle Times indicates, it is enough to sideline him for the next two important qualifiers. Which is a shame because Evan's had brought stability over the summer to the one position on the USMNT starting lineup that has been in a state of flux with longtime veteran starter Steve Cherundolo battling his own injuries for most of the year. Oh, and Evans completely bailed out the USA in stoppage time in Jamaica with his first international goal in the 2-1 win back in June
When I broke down the USMNT roster that was earlier in the week, I was disappointed that Parkhurst wasn't selected along with his Gold Cup back line partner, Clarence Goodson. Both defenders played well, and I thought their performances would have cemented at least a roster spot through the qualifying campaign.
With the USA extremely thin at right back, it would appear that this would force Geoff Cameron back into the starting role at the tenuous spot in the backline, with Parkhurst second on the depth chart behind him. Evans claimed the role from Cameron after a disastrous team showing in a friendly against Belgium during the summer.
Since that friendly, Evans has started three World Cup qualifiers for the USMNT at right back, all wins, and Parkhurst featured as the starter for a majority of the USA's run to their 2013 Gold Cup title. Cameron has featured mainly on the bench, with starts at center back and holding mid during the USMNT's 12-game international winning streak in all competitions.
Parkhurst has made 22 international appearances for the US, making him the second most capped defender on the current squad behind DaMarcus Beasley (109).
The United States currently sits atop The Hex, CONCACAF's fourth and final round of World Cup qualification, with 13 points and a 4-1-1 record. They play at second place Costa Rica on Sept. 6th and host third place Mexico on Sept. 10 at Columbus, Ohio.