The converted midfielder has seized his opportunity at right back as the U.S. national team moves away from Jurgen Klinsmann's preferred options
HARRISON, N.J. — Graham Zusi's reinvention came with hazy expectations.
Ideally, his offseason conversion from attacking midfielder to right back would prolong his U.S. national team career. More realistically, the Sporting Kansas City veteran faced a long road to surpassing established options at his new position.
After appearing in a pair of winter friendlies in the back line, Zusi saw himself snubbed from coach Bruce Arena's squad for World Cup qualifiers against Honduras and Panama in March — even with natural right backs DeAndre Yedlin and Eric Lichaj sidelined, and Timmy Chandler suspended for the first match.