Union's Edu called up to USMNT

Chester, Pa. – The Philadelphia Union has confirmed that midfielder Maurice Edu has been called up to represent the U.S. Men’s National Team in a match against Mexico on Wednesday, April 2 at University of Phoenix Stadium.

Edu will depart for international duty this Sunday following the Union’s game vs. Montreal Impact and return to the club following the game vs. Mexico.

 “I’m very happy to be called back in to camp,” said Edu. “For different reasons, it has been a little while since I’ve been with the team. I’m excited to meet up with the group again and get back to wearing my country’s colors. The match itself will be a good one, as all the games against Mexico tend to be. I always enjoy playing them since they’re our biggest rival. This is a preparation for the summer, so it’s important that it’s approached with the right mentality.”

Edu added: “I’ve been very focused since I joined the Union and I feel that has helped me start the season off well. I’m going to take that same focus into camp and work hard. More than anything though, I’m going to just enjoy being back.”

Kickoff for the USA’s final match before the start of the 2014 FIFA World Cup preparation camp is set for 8 p.m. Arizona Time (11 p.m. ET), and the match will be broadcast live on ESPN, WatchESPN, UniMas and the ESPN Deportes Radio Network. Fans can also follow the match live on Twitter @ussoccer.

 “Maurice has done a fantastic job since becoming a member of the Union earlier this year,” said Team Manager John Hackworth. “We think he’s absolutely deserving of this opportunity to impress on the international level ahead of the World Cup and we wish him the best of luck next Wednesday against Mexico.”

 Edu, who last represented the U.S. March 26, 2013 in a historic draw against Mexico at Estadio Azteca during World Cup qualifying, already has an extensive résumé as a U.S. Men’s National Team member, playing in over 40 matches since 2007. The native Californian made his first appearance in 2007 against Switzerland and notched his first goal in 2010 against Czech Republic. He was also a member of the 2010 FIFA World Cup squad for the U.S., playing in three matches and recording one start during the competition. Edu started in the final group match, a 1-0 victory over Algeria that saw the Americans advance on a stoppage time goal. He played 89 minutes in the following game vs. Ghana in the tournament’s Round of 16.