After a couple of false starts to his international career, Kansas City attacker Davy Arnaud is eager to record his first cap when mighty Brazil invade Chicago's Soldier Field on Sunday.

The versatile 27-year old was informed before last week's loss to Real Salt Lake that he would be one of the 19 players selected for the friendly, and admitted the call from Bob Bradley caught him unaware.

"It was a good surprise," Arnaud told American Soccer Daily after Tuesday's morning practice session. "I was really excited, and looked forward to get it going."

The Texas native has finally made his way into a USMNT camp after twice seeing a call-up ended before it could begin due to poorly timed setbacks.

"A couple times I had injuries, so it just didn't work out," he shrugged. "This January, I had surgery, so I couldn't come in then."

In his sixth season with the Wizards, Arnaud says he is living the dream of every homegrown MLS player.

"You think about it," he said of being tabbed by the National Team coach. "I think for all the players in MLS, this is where you want to be."

Smoothing his transition into the group is the presence of a pair of very recognizable faces: current teammate Eddie Johnson and former KC running mate Josh Wolff, now of 2.Bundesliga leaders 1860 Munich.

"It's nice," assured Arnaud. "It's good to have a couple people around that you're familiar with. They kinda help me ease into things a little bit."

Now that he's finally training for his first US appearance, the newcomer is focused on getting all he can from the week - that he could debut against the Samba Kings only makes the adventure more exciting.

"The whole camp's going to be a good experience for me," said Arnaud. "I want to work hard, and hopefully be there on the bench, and hopefully get in the game."

"I think it's a privilege, any chance you get to play for your country, no matter who it is. That's it's against Brazil, the best team is the world... it's going to be fun if I get the chance. I'm just going to try and enjoy myself and take it all in."

After his international foray, Arnaud will throw himself back into the stretch drive with Kansas City, who currently hold down the next-to-last playoff slot. He says the whole team has become excited by his US call-up, and chuckled at the thought of fielding plenty of questions from his younger teammates upon returning.

"The guys were happy for me," he reported. "I'm looking forward to getting back when I'm done here, and starting our last little run of the season."