Posted on October 2, 2012

Guatemala national coach Ever Hugo Almeida has announced his 23-man roster for his National Team’s final two World Cup semifinal round matches.

The Guatemalans will host Jamaica in a CONCACAF Group A encounter on Oct. 12 before playing at the United States on Oct. 16. All those three teams are tied with 2-1-1 records and seven points entering the final phase of the semis.

Almeida named two players based overseas — former Chicago Fire midfielder Marco Pappa (Heerenveen, The Netherlands) and forward Minor Ignacio Lopez (Deportes La Serena, Chile).

Former LA Galaxy and FC Dallas standout striker Carlos Ruiz (no team), who has been such a thorn in the U.S.’s side through the years, also was selected.

The Guatemalans will open training camp at Project Goal to prepare for the matches.

Their roster:

Goalkeepers: Jaime Carbajal (Universidad de San Carlos), Cristian Alvarez (Municipal), Ricardo Jerez (Marquense)

Defenders: Rafael Gonzalez (Malacateco), Ruben Morales (Coban Imperial), Erwin Morales (Comunicaciones), Claudio Albizuris (Municipal), Jonathan Wilson Lalín Lopez (Marquense)

Midfielders: Manuel Leon (Xelaju), Wilfred Velasquez (Comunicaciones), Carlos Figueroa (Comunicaciones), Jose Manuel Contreras (Comunicaciones), Sergio Trujillo (Municipal), Marco Tulio Ciani (Universidad de San Carlos), Gonzalo Romero (Marquense), Marco Pappa (Heerenveen, Netherlands)

Forwards: Minor Ignacio Lopez (Deportes La Serena, Chile), Dwight Pezzarossi (Comunicaciones), Lester Ruiz (Suchitepequez), Mario Rodriguez (Municipal), Henry Lopez (no team), Carlos Ruiz (no team)

Photo: Carlos Ruiz will have another opportunity to torment the USA on Oct. 16. Andy Mead/YCJ

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Categories: Central America, Guatemala, Jamaica, U.S.A., World Cup Qualifying
Tags: Carlos Ruiz, Ever Hugo Almeida, Marco Pappa, World Cup qualifying. CONCACAF

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