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McBride doubtful U.S. suffers another loss ahead of Costa Rica qualifier
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Brian McBride, a starting forward for the U.S. national team, is likely to miss the Americans' next two World Cup qualifiers because of a blood clot under his armpit. McBride, on loan to Preston North End in England's first division from Columbus of Major League Soccer, sustained a slight injury during a Sept. 23 game against Sheffield Wednesday. Weight training aggravated the injury and a clot formed under his armpit, Preston spokesman John Booth said Friday. "We don't select the U.S. team, but our understanding is that he'll be out of action for at least two months," Booth said. The United States (2-1-1) is second in its World Cup regional semifinal qualifying group with seven points, two behind Costa Rica (3-1), three ahead of Guatemala (1-2-1) and four ahead of Barbados. Only the top two nations advance to next year's regional finals. The Americans can clinch advancement by beating Costa Rica on Wednesday at Columbus, Ohio. If they tie or lose, the probably would need a tie or win in their final qualifier of the semifinals, at Barbados on Nov. 15. For Wednesday's game, the Americans already are missing three players who are suspended: midfielders Eddie Lewis, Claudio Reyna and Earnie Stewart. In addition, coach Bruce Arena will be starting a three-game suspension imposed by FIFA, soccer's governing body. McBride returned to Columbus on Wednesday and doctors removed the blood clot of Thursday. Crew spokesman Jeff Wuerth said McBride is taking a blood-thinning medication and has been cleared by doctors for cardiovascular training. U.S. Soccer Federation spokesman Jim Moorhouse said USSF doctors evaluated McBride on Friday but would not comment on his condition. "Brian received an elbow to the biceps while playing for Preston and couldn't continue," Moorhouse said. "His status for next week has not been determined." McBride, 28, scored for the United States in its crucial 1-0 win over Guatemala in a World Cup qualifier on Sept. 3, his 13th goal in 45 international appearances. He missed the first two qualifiers this summer because of a fractured cheekbone. McBride scored the only goal for the U.S. team that finished last in the 1998 World Cup in Paris.
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