U.S. U-20 MNT to compete in 2016 Dallas Cup

(Via Dr. Pepper Dallas Cup) – The Dr Pepper Dallas Cup has announced the return of the U.S. Under-20 Men’s National Team to the elite Gordon Jago Super Group for Dr Pepper Dallas Cup XXXVII.

Building upon a rich history of bringing future soccer stars to the premier tournament, this will be the sixth appearance for a U.S. Youth National Team in the Gordon Jago Super Group. Dr Pepper Dallas Cup XXXVII will be played from March 20 through March 27, 2016.

U.S. World Cup veteran Tab Ramos will once again coach the team as they use the competitive strength of the Dr Pepper Dallas Cup to prepare for the upcoming qualifying stages of the 2017 U-20 World Cup. As the U-20 World Cup is a year away, all current players in the U.S. U-20 pool qualify for the U-19 age bracket.

“We’re looking forward to once again participating in the Dallas Cup,” said U.S. U-20 Men’s National Team head coach Tab Ramos. “It gives us a perfect opportunity to evaluate our players against international competition on our home soil.”

In their 2014 Dallas Cup appearance, the U.S. U-20 Men’s National Team, featuring several MLS rising stars, including New York Red Bulls starting defender Matt Miazga and FC Dallas starting midfielder Kellyn Acosta, reached the Gordon Jago Super Group championship match. Last year, the U.S. qualified for the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand, advanced to the quarterfinals, and was eliminated after taking eventual champion Serbia to penalty kicks.

Some of Dallas Cup’s most famous alumni have made their Dallas Cup debut while starring with the U.S. National Teams, including Landon Donovan, DaMarcus Beasley, and Michael Bradley.