Crew midfielder Aidan Morris called up to U.S. men's national team for Mexico friendly
Mere hours after finalizing a contract extension with the Crew through 2026, Crew midfielder Aidan Morris has received his second call to the U.S. men's national team.
Because this game falls outside an official FIFA international window, the roster consists largely of North America-based players, as was the case for the camp in January. Morris made his senior international debut during the January camp, playing 90 minutes in a friendly against Serbia on Jan. 25.
This time around, the U.S. is set to play Mexico in a friendly at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona on April 19, and Morris is one of 20 MLS players to be called in to the squad.
Morris has started all seven games for the Crew this season and played a total of 616 minutes. He scored his first MLS goal on March 25 and has three total this year, which ranks second on the team. He's also the Crew's most accurate passer, with a 92.3% completion rate, and leads both the Crew and MLS in tackles won with 21.
For Morris, the mentality heading into his second call-up is the same as it was for his first, and the same as he approaches each day: with a desire to get to work. But there's no denying that the chance to play against Mexico carries a different significance.
Columbus Crew: Inside the intense mindset that drives midfielder Aidan Morris
"We’re playing Mexico now, so it’s a lot different," Morris told The Dispatch. "Comes with a certain weight behind it, for sure. I’m ready for whatever’s thrown at me. I’m ready to be there and represent the country as best I can."
Sporting a black eye from a collision during Saturday's game against D.C., and with a cast on his right hand after breaking it against the New York Red Bulls on March 18, Morris couldn't hide his smile as he discussed the extra intensity that comes with games between the U.S. and Mexico.
"You know what’s coming," Morris said. "You know there’s going to be an extra 5% with everything. Extra 5% with tackles, extra 5% with concentration and focus and tenacity for everyone. I’m excited. I love those games. I live for those games."
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Crew midfielder Aidan Morris gets USMNT call-up for Mexico
