Williams names U.S. U-17 MNT roster for Czech Republic tournament
CHICAGO (Via U.S. Soccer) – U.S. Under-17 Men’s National Team head coach Richie Williams has named a 20-player roster that will head to Pardubice, Czech Republic, for the 2015 U-17 International Youth Tournament of Vaclav Jezek, which runs from Aug. 14-22.
The U-17’s begin play on Tuesday, Aug. 18, when they face Russia. The team will play again the following day on Aug. 19 against Slovenia and will conclude group play on Aug. 21 against Slovakia. The opponent for a final placement game, which will be played on Saturday, Aug. 22, will be determined following the conclusion of group play.
The U.S. competed with its U-18 team in this tournament a year ago, and defeated Ukraine 1-0 to take the title.
The trip will serve as part of the U-17’s continued preparation for the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile, where the team has been grouped with Nigeria, Croatia and Chile. The USA kicks off with the first game of that tournament on Oct. 17.
Nineteen players on the roster have ties to the U.S. Soccer Development Academy.
Roster by Position:
GOALKEEPERS (2): William Pulisic (Richmond United; Mechanicsville, Va.), Kevin Silva (Players Development Academy; Bethlehem, Pa.)
DEFENDERS (7): Hugo Arellano (LA Galaxy Academy; Norwalk, Calif.), Danny Barbir (West Bromwich Albion; Allentown, Pa.), Tanner Dieterich (Real Salt Lake Academy; Nashville, Tenn.), John Nelson (Internationals; Medina, Ohio), Matthew Olosunde (New York Red Bulls Academy; Trenton, N.J.), Auston Trusty (Philadelphia Union Academy; Media, Pa.), Alexis Velela (New York Cosmos; San Diego, Calif.)
MIDFIELDERS (6): Tyler Adams (New York Red Bulls II; Wappinger Falls, N.Y.), Eric Calvillo (Real So Cal; Palmdale, Calif.), Luca de la Torre (Fulham; San Diego, Calif.), Thomas McCabe (Players Development Academy; South Orange, N.J.), Christian Pulisic (Borussia Dortmund; Hershey, Pa.), Alejandro Zendejas (FC Dallas; El Paso, Texas)
FORWARDS (5): Pierre da Silva (Orlando City SC Academy; Port Chester, N.Y.), Joe Gallardo (C.F. Monterrey; San Diego, Calif.), Josh Perez (Unattached; La Habra, Calif.), Brandon Vazquez (Club Tijuana; Chula Vista, Calif.), Haji Wright (New York Cosmos; Los Angeles, Calif.)
