Omar Gonzalez returns to US after 2-year absence

HOUSTON (AP) - Defender Omar Gonzalez has returned to the U.S. national team lineup after a two-year absence.

The 6-foot-5 Los Angeles Galaxy defender started at center back in Tuesday night's exhibition game against Canada, among 11 changes U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann made from November's 2-2 tie at Russia.

He was on a backline with three players making their national team debuts: right back Tony Beltran, center back Matt Besler and left back Justin Morrow.

Kyle Beckerman was in midfield, joined by Brad Evans, Brad Davis and Graham Zusi. Eddie Johnson and Chris Wondolowski were at forward.

Gonzalez made his national team debut in August 2010 against Brazil and played against Chile the following January. He tore his left anterior cruciate ligament last January on his first day training with Nuremberg and returned to the field for the Galaxy on July 4.