The new year is off to a good start for Seattle Sounders defender Oniel Fisher.
The Jamaican national team called Fisher in for their friendly against the United States on Friday, Feb. 3, in Chattanooga, Tenn. (4 p.m. PT; FS1, UniMas). He has one cap for the Reggae Boyz, but it came back in 2010.
Now at 25, Fisher has a chance to reestablish himself on the Jamaican national scene.
“It’s another opportunity to go out there any put some work in against a good team like the U.S.,” Fisher said. “I’m pretty excited to go out and get started.”
Fisher will line up against three of his club teammates at Finley Stadium on Friday. Forward Jordan Morris and defenders Chad Marshall and Brad Evans are on U.S. head coach Bruce Arena’s roster for the second of two international friendlies after playing to a scoreless draw with Serbia last Sunday in San Diego, Calif.
“I haven’t talked to [Morris, Marshall and Evans] yet,” Fisher said, “but I’m sure we’ll have a [conversation] when I get there and see them.”
Fisher comes into preseason coming off a campaign in which he only made nine appearances in the regular season and postseason combined. With the departure of last year’s starting fullback Tyrone Mears to Atlanta United, Fisher knows that job is up for grabs, and he was not shy about his intentions.
“I want that right back spot,” Fisher said. “I’m going to come in and work as hard as I can and do whatever I can to help the team move forward and try and win another championship.”