Photo by Francis Chung.

More exciting news from RFK Stadium — D.C. United announced last night that attacking midfielder Chris Pontius had been called up to the United States’ national team. Pontius will join his United teammate, goalkeeper Bill Hamid, on the roster for the United States’ two friendlies against Costa Rica and Belgium. Pontius, who we interviewed in 2009, had been called up into the national team’s camp last year, but was not selected for the final 18-man roster by then-coach Bob Bradley. His addition to the roster this year is further proof that new U.S. manager Juergen Klinsmann is planning to tap into younger, domestic-based talent to field the team.

The two friendlies will take place on September 2 in Los Angeles and on September 6 in Brussels. United fans worried about the absence of Pontius and his seven goals from the DCU setup can relax — Pontius is not expected to miss any league games as United approaches the most vital stretch of its season.