Will Beckerman Play in the World Cup?

Local soccer fans have enjoyed following the career of Kyle Beckerman, the Crofton native and former Arundel High standout, who now plays professionally with Real Salt Lake. 

Beckerman has also been a member of the U.S. Men's National team, but was absent from the team's recent qualifier against Honduras. 

Soccer analysts now say it's unclear whether Beckerman will make the roster if and when the team heads to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. 

Goal.com posted its projected roster for the 2014 team and it did not include Beckerman. Writer Keith Hickey placed Beckerman in a group of players that are "either slowly pushing themselves into the national team fold, or who will need a good burst of form at the right time to force their way back in."

He referred to Beckerman as a "low-risk bet" but one who still must prove himself to USMNT coach Jurgen Klinsmann. 

In an interview with Patch in 2011, Beckerman said he was pleased to find himself playing for the national team after having previously been on the squad in 2009. 

"For me, that kind of dream closed. The door was closed," Beckerman said at the time. "[I've] really always been trying to stay ready for any opportunity that comes. So if this is the chance, I've got to take it and be ready. Hopefully it continues."

Of course, whether Beckerman earns a trip to Brazil is also contingent on the team qualifying for the World Cup. The team lost to Honduras by a score of 2-1 on Wednesday, but still has nine more matches in the final round of qualifying.