Former Vietnamese league player Lee Nguyen could make his first U.S. national team appearance in seven years after being named in Jurgen Klinsmann's squad for upcoming friendlies against Colombia and Ireland.
The 28-year-old New England Revolution midfielder, who holds dual citizenship of the United States and Vietnam, earned the last of his three caps in 2007. The Texas-born Nguyen played for two seasons in Vietnam's V.League 1, before joining Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2012.
He's scored 18 times for New England this season, the fourth highest total in the MLS. Nguyen, nicknamed the 'Vietnamese Beckham' because of his international profile, told mlssoccer.com that he intends to make the most of his opportunity.
"Any time you can play for your country and represent your country, that's the highest honor, the highest privilege you can have as a football player," Nguyen said. "I've got to go up there and focus on the task at hand and try to prove myself."
After a stellar U.S. college career, Nguyen signed a three-and-a-half year deal with PSV Eindhoven in the Eredivisie in 2006 but left after just two first team appearances over two years. After 18 months with Danish Superliga club Randers, Nguyen joined Vietnamese club Hoang Anh Gia Lai where he provided 12 goals and 16 assists in the 2009-2010 season.
He moved to Ho Chi Minh City-based Becamex Binh Duong FC in March 2010, but injuries restricted him to 15 league appearances and two goals. He returned to the U.S. in December 2011, joining New England Revolution on a multi-year deal.
His previous U.S. appearances came in a 2007 friendly against China and for two games in that year's Copa America tournament.
"I was just a little teenager," said Nguyen of his previous time with the national squad. "It was a great experience for me. I've grown so much as a player and a person. Obviously, I've got more years under my belt, too. It's definitely a dream to be able to come back in and represent your country. I can't wait."