Sporting KC defender Ike Opara propels U.S. MNT to clean sheet in his senior international debut

Sporting Kansas City defender Ike Opara earned his debut for the U.S. Men’s National Team on Sunday night, starting and playing the full 90 minutes in a scoreless draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina at StubHub Center in Carson, California.

Opara delivered a sterling performance in central defense, anchoring a U.S. backline that limited Bosnia and Herzegovina to just two shots on target. The 2017 MLS Defender of the Year finished the contest with four recoveries, four interceptions and two clearances in addition to making a crucial defensive block in the 79th minute to keep the Bosnians at bay. Opara had produced another excellent intervention earlier in the match, sliding near the byline to cut out a dangerous low cross from the left wing on 29 minutes.

Interim U.S. MNT head coach Dave Sarachan gave international debuts to three players, as Opara, Chicago Fire defender Matt Polster and Columbus Crew SC goalkeeper Zach Steffen claimed their first caps at the senior level.

Opara joined the U.S. MNT for the first time on Jan. 10 for the start of January Camp at the National Training Center in Carson. He will now travel to Scottsdale, Arizona to join Sporting Kansas City for the club’s 2018 preseason, presented by Children’s Mercy. Manager Peter Vermes’ men will play two friendly matches over the next week, facing UPSL side Arizona United at 12 p.m. CT Wednesday before meeting fellow MLS club Colorado Rapids at 11:30 a.m. CT Saturday.