by Greg Seltzer for Soccer365

Veteran U.S. defender Danny Califf says the 25 players invited to the Home Depot Center Sunday to begin prep for this month's friendly against Sweden will be looking to show they deserve calls when the games get real again in February.

The 'Nats will welcome a weakened Swedish side on January 25th to begin the slate for the second straight year, but all involved will have one eye towards making the roster for the following affair.

As one of of only four camp participants jetting over from European day jobs, Califf says he relishes any chance to impress the USMNT boss - especially with a CONCACAF World Cup 2010 qualifying final round opener against arch rivals Mexico fast approaching.

"Yes," the former Los Angeles Galaxy and San Jose Earthquakes stopper told Soccer365 before reporting for U.S. duty. "The more time in front of Bob, the better!"

"I think due to the upcoming qualifier things might be a little tougher (than the normal January camp). But for the most part, the roster will be very different (against Mexico) come February 11th."

As for club life, Califf and FC Midtjylland are on the Danish honor division's extended winter break. The Black Wolves stand fourth in the SAS Liga table through 17 games, a position that - when combined with an early Ekstra Bladet Cup exit - would leave them without a European invite for next fall.

Management is busy looking to add firepower during the pause, with the idea that FCM are one impact attacker away from threatening the top three.

"I think we need to score half of the chances we create," admitted Califf. "For the most part, the effort has been good, but we have been bitten by leaving things late and squandering chances."

"I think we need a striker who does nothing else but has the knack for being in the right spot and being able to finish. But doesn't every team need one of those?"

Soccer365 reporter Greg Seltzer blogs daily over at No Short Corners.

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