NZ goalkeeper faces drink-drive charge

All Whites goalkeeper Jake Gleeson is facing a drink-driving charge in the United States – and so is the team-mate who came to rescue him.

The Portland Timbers star called his captain Liam Ridgewell for help after crashing his vehicle on Tuesday, with Lake Oswego police confirming both men are now facing driving under the influence of intoxicant accusations.

They both posted US$7500 (NZ$10,500) bonds and were released. Police said Gleeson, 26, had been involved in a two-car crash.

‘‘He had also apparently called a friend to come pick him up, and that was Ridgewell,’’ Sergeant Tom Hamann, the Lake Oswego police spokesman, told The Oregonian newspaper.

He said after field sobriety tests were finished, officers determined both athletes were impaired.

Gleeson faces accusations of DUII, reckless driving and reckless endangerment. Ridgewell faces a DUII accusation with their cases to be heard at Lake Oswego municipal court on November 16.

In a statement, New Zealand Football said they were disappointed to hear the news.

‘‘It is difficult for us to comment until we have spoken to Jake and the club and got more information,’’ said NZF chief executive Andy Martin.

‘‘We expect high standards of professionalism from our players both on and off the pitch so we are naturally disappointed to read this news.’’

Gleeson’s All Whites team-mate Michael McGlinchey was surprised to hear the news. ’’It seems quite out of character. He’s quite a quiet big lad. I don’t really know what’s happened there, but I’m sure it will get sorted out.’’