CHICAGO (AP) — German-born Jermaine Jones is in the starting lineup for Saturday night’s game against Poland, his first with the United States.
The midfielder, born in Frankfurt to an American father and German mother, switched nationalities last year after playing for Germany three times in exhibitions. FIFA rules now allow players with dual nationalities to switch allegiances at any age — so long as they haven’t appeared in an official game.
Jones was eligible to play for the United States at the World Cup in South Africa, but was sidelined last season with a shin injury.
AC Milan defender Oguchi Onyewu is also starting, despite not playing a competitive match since the 2-2 tie against Slovenia on June 18 at the World Cup. Onyewu, who blew out his knee last fall, has not even been selected to dress for Milan yet this season.
