SALT LAKE CITY -- All of the time spent with the U.S. under-23 national team in the spring and early summer have paid off in a big way for Real Salt Lake players Chris Seitz and Nate Sturgis.
On Thursday, Seitz and Sturgis were both named to the squad that will represent the United States at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing next month.
A third RSL player, Robbie Findley, was chosen as an alternate to that team. Findley will not travel with the team to China, unless an injury creates an opening for him to fill on the 18-man roster.
"It's a great honor," Seitz said at RSL's training session on Thursday. "Growing up as a kid, all you think about is the Olympics. You look forward to the Olympics as a kid - watching it on TV and so forth. To actually have an opportunity to go and participate is a great honor."
Based on his play in earlier U-23 matches, Seitz appeared to be a virtual lock to be selected to the 18-man roster when the Olympics rolled around. His playing time might decrease in Beijing, however, with the inclusion of ex-Chivas USA goalkeeper Brad Guzan as one of three overage players allowed to join the Olympic team.
In addition to Guzan, the U.S. team will also feature Brian McBride and Michael Parkhurst on its roster.
Seitz is not worried about the size of the role he might play. For him, just getting a chance to represent his country is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. He doesn't feel frustrated at going from potential starter to likely backup.
"I knew all along that there was a possibility of this happening, " Seitz said. "But I've got to look on the bright side. I'm going to the Olympics."
Sturgis' inclusion on the 18-man roster elicited some surprise given lingering injuries that have kept him sidelined for a huge chunk of the current MLS season. He appeared briefly in last weekend's 2-0 win over Columbus - his first action since a hamstring injury sidelined Sturgis in April.
During the rehabilitation process, Sturgis tried to be cautious. He always had an eye on trying to get himself back to 100 percent in time for the Olympics.
"That's been the toughest thing to balance," Sturgis said. "I'm trying to get back in as quickly as possible to get fit and ready to play. But, at the same time, if I have another setback -- it basically knocks me out."
Sturgis is not at full strength just yet. He did suffer a small setback after injuring an ankle on Tuesday night. Offering a roster spot to such an oft-injured player could be a risk, but Sturgis has enough potential that the reward could be worth it.
"It's a little bit of a gamble, but it shows you how highly respected he is with his abilities," RSL coach Jason Kreis said of Sturgis' inclusion. "I think he is coming back into health and fitness and so, with them having another couple of weeks until their matches, he should be fine."
If Sturgis isn't ready to go, it could potentially open the door for Findley to make the trip to China. Competing in Beijing would be a satisfying moment for the budding RSL star, but he is content to focus on MLS play until he is called on to go.
"I'm here right now and that's what I have to focus on right now," Findley said.
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