Spector ready to help USA in qualifier vs. Costa Rica

This week marks the return of Arlington Heights native Jonathon Spector to the U.S. National Team after a series of hard-luck injuries.

"It's very good to have Jonathon back in our team," U.S. coach Bob Bradley said last week before the team left for Wednesday night's World Cup qualifier in Costa Rica (9 p.m., ESPN). "He's always a guy that we appreciate what he brings in terms of his experience, his versatility. He has done very well to overcome some injuries and to deal with some of the tough moments that have come his way.

"He's a very good player, just as a person, one who makes the group better. So we're excited that he's back with us and look forward to seeing him on the field."

There's a good chance Spector, 23, now playing in England for West Ham United, will start at right back. Steve Cherundolo and Frankie Hejduk are out with injuries, though Hejduk remains on the roster. Spector's main competition for the spot appears to be Toronto FC's Marvell Wynne, son of the former Cubs outfielder.

Fire defender Gonzalo Segares has been called up to play for Costa Rica.

It will be a tough game for the United States no matter who plays. The Americans are 0-5-1 at Saprissa Stadium.

"We know that these are important games," Bradley said as his team approaches the midway point of the final qualifying round. "It's a big challenge but one that we're very excited about."

Wednesday's game will be followed Saturday (7 p.m., ESPN) by a qualifier against Honduras at Soldier Field. Fans are encouraged to wear red and arrive two hours ahead of game time. More than 47,000 tickets already have been sold for the Soldier Field game.

"Soldier Field has been a great venue for the United States National Team," Bradley said. "Speaking for the players, I know how much they enjoy playing in stadiums where there's atmosphere, where there's a lot of passion for the game."

And there's excitement about the possibility that Spector, who missed chances to play in the 2006 World Cup and last year's Olympics, might finally be healthy enough to realize his great potential. A former St. Viator High School soccer star, Spector turned pro in 2003 after graduating from the Bradenton Academy and signing with Manchester United.

"He is a versatile player, a guy who does a lot of the little things to help his team," Bradley said. "Anybody that knows Jonathon sees the maturity that he possesses. He's an intelligent young man, he's got a great family, and when you're a player at a high level there are going to be tough situations."

Welcome mat: The Chicago Red Stars, the new Women's Professional Soccer team, made its western suburbs debut Saturday night when it played its minor-league affiliate, the Chicago Red Eleven, at Benedictine University in Lisle.

For the Red Stars, it was a chance to get some reserves a little playing time, though most starters also saw significant action. Cristiane scored her first Red Stars goal in the first half to give the visitors a 1-0 win.

For the Red Eleven, mostly comprised of college players and recent graduates, it was a chance to play against the best.

"Definitely exciting," said Red Eleven midfielder Casey Short, a sophomore at Florida State who grew up in Naperville and is one of several local players on the Red Eleven roster. "I was a little nervous at first, of course, but once you get into it, it was definitely exciting."