Michael Orozco is the most likely candidate to slot in for the suspended DeAndre Yedlin at right back in the US national teamās Copa America Centenario quarterfinal against Ecuador, and the veteran defender told Goal.comās Ives Galarcep heāll 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 Ecuadorās 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 USās 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 heās 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, heāll back off. But you just canāt give him time, heās one of those players that gets confidence and heāll go at you."
Check outGalarcepās piece for more on Orozco and the USās right back situation.