Gerson Mayen (white jersey) was called up to El Salvador for its World Cup qualifiers in September. (Photo: Mexsport)

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador – With its qualifying campaign for the 2018 FIFA World Cup hanging in the balance, El Salvador head coach Ramon Maradiaga announced Wednesday his roster for the last pair of fourth-round encounters.

The 61-year-old Honduran called in 22 players -- including 13 from the domestic league -- led by Alianza defender Alexander Larin, who scored a tremendous goal in a 1-1 draw against the New York Red Bulls in the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League a day earlier.

Of the foreign-based contingent, forward Irvin Herrera has netted 11 goals in 20 games thus far for St. Louis FC of the USA’s USL. 

Salvadoran first-division squad Santa Tecla is most represented club, with six players meriting selection.

El Salvador (0W-2D-2L, 2 points) currently sits fourth in Group A with only matches against first-place Mexico (September 2, home) and third-place Canada (September 6, away) remaining. A loss in either game would eliminate the Cuscatlecos. 

ROSTER

GOALKEEPERS: Oscar Arroyo (Alianza), Derby Carrillo (IBV/Finland), Luis Contreras (FAS)

DEFENDERS: Juan Barahona (Santa Tecla), Roberto Domínguez (Santa Tecla), Moises Xavier Garcia (FAS), Alexander Larín (Alianza), Ivan Mancia (Santa Tecla), Alexander Mendoza (FAS), Henry Romero (Aguila), Bryan Tamacas (Santa Tecla)

MIDFIELDERS: Jaime Alas (Municipal/Guatemala), Darwin Ceren (San Jose Earthquakes/USA), Oscar Ceren (Alianza), Marlon Ivan Cornejo (Santa Tecla), Andres Flores (New York Cosmos/USA), Gerson Mayen (Santa Tecla), Richard Menjivar (Rayo OKC/USA), Denis Pineda (Santa Clara/Portugal), Pablo Punyed (IBV/Finland)

FORWARDS: Nelson Bonilla (Nacional/Portugal), Irvin Herrera (St. Louis FC/USA)