Nagbe enjoys U.S. national team experience

BEAVERTON, Ore. — The broad smile Darlington Nagbe flashed as he ran onto the field last week in St. Louis for his first appearance with the United States Men’s National Team spoke volumes.

It was also his way of keeping it together.

“I wouldn’t say (I felt) nerves, but trying to control my excitement more than anything,” Nagbe said of his emotions in that moment.

He spoke with the media following the Portland Timbers Friday training session. Fresh off playing 50 minutes in substitute appearances Nov. 13 against St. Vincent and The Grenadines and Nov. 17 against Trinidad and Tobago, Nagbe is preparing for a central role on Sunday when the Timbers host FC Dallas for the first leg of the MLS Western Conference finals.

Nabge’s national team debut came two months after the Liberia-born midfielder earned his U.S. citizenship. He said that process, and the support from his family were on his mind as he represented America for the first time.

“It was definitely cool getting to put on the red, white and blue kit,” he said.

Some fans and observers of U.S. soccer might have been more excited than Nagbe himself to see him play in a pair 2018 World Cup qualifiers. His ability to control the ball, pass accurately and to take on defenders with the dribble are skills that might inject life into J?rgen Klinsmann’s attack.

Timbers coach Caleb Porter said Nagbe, 25, approached his two appearances off the bench the right way.

“I thought he played simple, which is what you want to see out of a player in his first camp,” Porter said. “The more simple you play, the more respect you earn from the senior players and the more they start to pass you the ball.”

Nagbe said he thanked Klinsmann for the opportunity.

“He just told me good job and that he’s looking forward to working with me again,” Nagbe said.