By Ivan Orozco

CHICAGO - United States defender Michel Parkhurst didn't find out until he picked up a newspaper.

"I didn't see it in the highlights, but I read about it the next day I thought there might be a chance. But then I didn't hear anything right away," Parkhurst said. "I didn't see the entire game because it was on at 3 a.m."

Parkhurst was referring to the news that teammate Jimmy Conrad had been injured in the American's 2-1 extra time win against Panama in the Gold Cup quarterfinals last week.

Parkhurst didn't know Conrad crashed his face into the head of a Panama defender and suffered a concussion, a bruised eye and a broken thumb.

Conrad's injuries meant Parkhurst could be coming back to the United States and join his national team.

"I thought there might be a chance but then I didn't hear anything right away," Parkhurst said. "That made me think that Jimmy might be OK until I heard about it on Monday."

That's when he got a call from coach Bob Bradley asking the 25-year-old center defender to rejoin the team. Parkhurst left to join his club (Nordsjaelland) in Denmark for the season opener after the Gold Cup group stage.

Parkhurst reunited with the team in Chicago earlier this week and could make his ninth start with the national team in the United States' semifinal game against Honduras Thursday at Soldier Field.

Bradley said Conrad will unlikely be available for the match. That left the team with two center backs, prompting Parkhurst's recall from Denmark.

Parkhurst missed the Panama match due to a suspension.

"It was necessary to bring Mike back here to give us some cover in the defense," Bradley said.

And the Americans could use all the help available.

Honduras and the United States met during the group stage with Bradley's squad winning 2-0.

The Catrachos will be looking for revenge. They've also probably haven't forgotten a 2-1 defeat to the Americans at Soldier Field in World Cup qualifying on June 6.

"There was a clear difference between both teams in the qualifier and what we've seen in the Gold Cup," Bradley said. "It's strange to play the same team twice in the tournament but nonetheless, I think that there's always a warning that the second game will be tough."

The Americans will be playing on home soil Thursday but expect an atmosphere that could resemble a road match. Mexico-Costa Rica is the nightcap of a doubleheader and a partisan El Tri crowd is expected.

"We expect a few Honduran fans here," Parkhurst said. "I'm sure the second half is going to be 80 percent Mexicans cheering against us. That won't make it any easier."

Honduras coach Reinaldo Rueda said he expects a solid U.S. team despite its youth.

"They have a good structure despite their youth," Ruedas said. "They are mature players despite their youth. They've transformed into solid players and I don't think their youth gives us an advantage."

Parkhurst could be mentioned as one of those players going through a transformation.

He's beginning a career in a different continent. He's trying to establish himself as a regular on the national team.

"You try to make the best out of the opportunity," Parkhurst said. "Any time you go out there is a dream come true with the national team. You just want to do your best to get another chance."

Parkhurst knows there's more work ahead. He said he hasn't reached his potential.

"I'm not there yet. I don't think I'm close to my peak," he said. "That's why I made the move over to Europe to try and take my play to the next level. It was a tough first couple of months with the adjustment but I look forward to a fresh season. Hopefully I can be part of the (national team) group next summer assuming qualifying goes well. But if not, then hopefully maybe for years later I'll be in that position."

For now, he's settled for being part of the Gold Cup squad.

U.S. goalkeeper change

Also joining the United States this week was Chicago Fire goalkeeper Jon Busch. He joins the team after Luis Robles left to be with his club FC Kaiserslautern of the German second division.

Busch has been on the Gold Cup roster throughout the tournament but has not been available for selection in the 18-man roster.