Darwin Cerén Recalled for El Salvador’s Upcoming World Cup Qualifiers

Orlando City midfielder Darwin Cerén has been called up to the El Salvador National Team for a home-and-away World Cup qualifying series against St. Kitts and Nevis on June 7 and 11.

Cerén will join La Selecta on June 7 in preparation for matches on June 11 and 16. El Salvador will visit the Warner Park Sporting Complex in Basseterre, St. Kitts on Thursday, June 11. The two teams will play again at Estadio Cuscatlánin San Salvador on Tuesday, June 16. This series is part of the second CONCACAF Preliminary Round of qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia.

The 25-year-old will miss the D.C. United match on June 14 and the U.S. Open Cup match against the Battery in Charleston on June 17. He has started 11 of Orlando City’s 13 matches this season, scoring one goal in 990 minutes. He was named to the MLS Team of the Week in Week 2.

Look for Amobi Okugo to return to the starting lineup against D.C. (if not sooner) with Cerén away. Harrison Heath may see some playing time at Charleston amid a crowded group of fixtures. Cerén has been solid for Orlando City in his first year in MLS, helping the Lions control the midfield. He’s rarely put a foot wrong, but did err in the San Jose match, when his ill-advised tackle attempt led to a penalty kick for the Quakes.

Cerén has 23 caps with his national side and has served as team captain on multiple occasions. His service for his country includes Gold Cup qualifiers, 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the 2014 Centro American Cup. He most recently played in two friendlies with El Salvador — against Argentina and Guatemala — in March.