Four international players – midfielder Douglas Sequeira (Real Salt Lake/Costa Rica), defender Claudio Suarez (Chivas USA/Mexico), defender Avery John (New England Revolution/Trinidad & Tobago) and forward Cornell Glen (Los Angeles Galaxy/Trinidad & Tobago) were named to their countries’ respective rosters for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

In addition to the 11 MLS players on the 23-man United States roster, these four selections mean that a total of 15 current MLS players will represent their nations in Germany. The FIFA World Cup runs June 9 to July 9 with ABC, ESPN and ESPN2 combining to broadcast all 64 games live in high-definition and is produced in association with Soccer United Marketing.

Suarez dons Mexico’s World Cup jersey for the third time in his legendary career, while Sequeira, Glen and John make their first World Cup appearance.

Sequeira to be at World Cup opener

Sequeira, 28, is a steady holding midfielder who has started and played 90 minutes in every one of his 29 MLS matches. Last year, Sequeira played his first season in MLS with Chivas USA. Real Salt Lake acquired Sequeira before the 2006 season in a trade involving defender Brian Dunseth.

Sequeira aims to help Costa Rica move past the first round for only the second time ever. Costa Rica has the tall order of facing host Germany in the opening match of the World Cup on June 9. Also in Group A with Costa Rica are Ecuador and Poland.

For Suarez, ‘age is not an impediment’

Suarez signed with Chivas USA (based in Los Angeles) in March and started three MLS games before reporting to Mexico’s training camp.

“Age is not an impediment to playing in a World Cup, thanks to God and all he is giving me,” Suarez told La Opinion.

Suarez, 37, played in the 1994 and 1998 World Cups and missed the 2002 edition with a broken leg. He has worn the captain’s armband for many of his 176 international appearances. His nickname, “El Emperador,” – meaning “The Emperor” in Spanish – refers to his legendary stature on the Tricolor’s back line.

In the first round, Mexico faces Portugal, Angola, and Iran in Group D. Mexico is competing in the World Cup for the 13th time, having advanced to the quarterfinals twice (1970 and 1986).

Glen and John chosen by smallest nation ever to qualify

Glen and John will proudly represent Trinidad & Tobago, which makes its World Cup debut. By its population (1.1 million) and area (1,864 square miles), Trinidad & Tobago is the smallest nation ever to qualify for the World Cup. The “Soca Warriors” have the challenge of advancing out of Group B, which includes England, Paraguay and Sweden.

Now in his third season with the Revolution, John turns 31 on June 18, and has accumulated 72 caps since starring for Yavapai College and American University in 1994-1999. His cousin, forward Stern John, who is also on the roster, played two seasons with the Columbus Crew and holds the MLS record for goals per game in a season, set in 1998 when he had 26 goals in 27 games for a 0.96 average.

Glen, 25, earned the MLS Player of the Week award on April 17, after scoring both goals in the Galaxy’s 2-1 victory over Chivas USA. Glen has 12 goals, 6 assists in 45 MLS games since signing with the MetroStars in 2004 and he has played for four MLS teams.

Monday, May 15 was the deadline for the 32 qualified national teams to submit their final 23-man rosters to FIFA, which will announce the official rosters again on Thursday, May 18. Teams have until 24 hours prior to their first match in the tournament to make any changes due to injury. Any player dropped for injury must be replaced by one from the list of alternates submitted Monday.

About Major League Soccer

Headquartered in New York City, Major League Soccer is the top-flight professional soccer league in the United States and features many stars from the U.S. and around the world. In its 11th season, the 12 teams in MLS are: the Chicago Fire, Colorado Rapids, Club Deportivo Chivas USA, Columbus Crew, D.C. United, FC Dallas, Houston Dynamo, Kansas City Wizards, Los Angeles Galaxy, Red Bull New York, New England Revolution and Real Salt Lake. For more information about MLS, log on to the League’s official Web site at www.MLSnet.com.

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