Michael Orozco is the most likely candidate to slot in for the suspended DeAndre Yedlin at right back in the US national team’s Copa America Centenario quarterfinal against Ecuador, and the veteran defender told Goal.com’s Ives Galarcep he’ll be ready if called upon on Thursday.
The 30-year-old former Philadelphia Union defender would likely go up against talented Ecuador winger Jefferson Montero if he starts at right back in Seattle. One of Ecuador’s most important players, Montero has 10 goals in 59 international appearances and has a pair of assists in three starts at the Copa America.
Orozco has a decent amount of experience against the Swansea winger, having lined up against him multiple times for Puebla when Montero played in Liga MX with Morelia. Both players also featured in the US’s pre-Copa friendly win against Ecuador on May 25, though late sub Orozco entered the match after Montero had already been removed.
That experience could be valuable if Orozco starts for Yedlin.
"Try to pressure him, not give him that much space because he’s a guy that likes to cut a lot," Orozco told Galarcep when asked about defending Montero. "If you go at him hard, maybe the first play, obviously to the ball, he’ll back off. But you just can’t give him time, he’s one of those players that gets confidence and he’ll go at you."
Check outGalarcep’s piece for more on Orozco and the US’s right back situation.
