Wells training with men’s U.S. national soccer team

Newport Harbor High product Zach Wells, a goalkeeper with Major League Soccer’s D.C. United, is among 26 players on the training camp roster for the U.S. men’s national team that began workouts Jan. 3 at The Home Depot Center in Carson.

The group will prepare for Team USA’s first match of 2008, a friendly against Sweden on Jan. 19 at The Home Depot Center.

After the Sweden match, the U.S. will host regional rivals Mexico on Feb. 6 at Reliant Stadium in Houston.

Along with a series of friendlies, the United States will begin the attempt to qualify for their sixth consecutive World Cup when they take on the winner of the first-round series between Barbados and Dominica. The U.S. will host its first qualifier between June 11-14, with the second leg to be played between June 18-21 on the road.

Wells joined D.C. United in a trade last month after capturing two straight MLS Cups as a member of the Houston Dynamo. The 26-year old, who won an NCAA championship in goal while at UCLA, did not see any time between the pipes in 2006. But he made four appearances (three starts) in 2007, earning two shutouts, and compiling a 2-0-1 record and a goals-against average of 0.32.

Prior to his time in Houston, the Costa Mesa native spent two seasons with the MetroStars (now known as the New York Red Bulls). While there, he played in 19 games (all starts), collected four shutouts and put together a record of 6-6-4. His stay with the MetroStars was highlighted by a 14-save effort in a 0-0 draw with United, June 12, 2005.

Wells has played in one match for the U.S. men’s national team, making his international debut as a second-half substitute in a 4-0 win over Guatemala on Feb. 19, 2006.

— From staff reports