SANDY -- Real Salt Lake forward Robbie Findley says he was starting to worry as the World Cup preliminary roster deadline approached and he still had no word from the U.S. national team.
Once he heard he made the cut of 30 players invited to begin training next week, he relaxed for a few moments before considering what's ahead.
"I didn't hear anything or know what was really going on," Findley said. "I think everybody found out before I did."
The relief was short-lived. Findley knows there is a big leap from the preliminary roster to making the final cut of 23 players who will represent the U.S. next month in South Africa.
"I'm definitely excited," Findley said after practice Wednesday. "A lot of good guys there and it's going to be hard."
Findley learned Tuesday that he made the preliminary roster despite not scoring a goal yet this season in Major League Soccer. He had 12 last year and three more in the playoffs as Salt Lake won the MLS Cup.
Findley started all three exhibition games for the U.S. national team this year. He has no goals in four international appearances, but his speed may give him a chance as a longshot to make the World Cup team.
"We've got a young forward that's in contention now to be in the World Cup to represent our country," RSL coach Jason Kreis said. "I don't think you have to tell him much. He's a really grounded person a really humble person, a hard worker -- not fazed by a lot of things."
Findley left RSL's 3-0 win over Philadelphia on Saturday with a bruised back, but said he will be ready Thursday night when Salt Lake hosts Houston. He leaves for Princeton, N.J., on Saturday and begins training with the national team on Monday.
He has less than three weeks to impress if he's going to make the final cut, which is due June 1. The Americans play exhibitions against the Czech Republic on May 25 in East Hartford, Conn., and Turkey four days later in Philadelphia.
"You think about this when you're a little kid," Findley said. "Now that it's here, it's just a little shocking and I'm ready."
Findley also said Wednesday he had spoken to his agent to clear up a misunderstanding about his future. His agent told the Salt Lake Tribune that Findley planned to leave for Europe after the season, but Findley said Wednesday that he is keeping his options open and hasn't made any decisions yet.
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