By RYAN TOLMICH
With a trio of friendlies in Bosnia & Herzegovina on the horizon, U.S. Under-18 Men’s National Team head coach Javier Perez has unveiled a roster of 20 call-ups.
Goalkeeper Jonathan Klinsmann, midfielder Sebastian Saucedo and forward Mukwelle Akale headline Perez’s call-ups for the team’s training camp, that is set to take place from Thursday to May 1.
Stationed in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the U.S. will take on Siroki Brijeg on April 25, before facing off with the Bosnia U-18’s on April 28 and 30.
The trip abroad represents the first time that the team has convened since the 2015 Copa Chivas Tournament, which took place in February and saw the U.S. go 1-2-1. Nine players, including goalscorers Mauricio Pineda and Eryk Williamson, return from February’s roster, while the most recent squad also features a full list of 20 players with academy ties.
Here is a closer look at the U.S. U-18 roster for the team’s upcoming friendlies:
GOALKEEPERS: Jonathan Klinsmann (Irvine Strikers), Mason Stajduhar (Orlando City SC)
DEFENDERS: Marcello Borges (New York Red Bulls), Kyle Duncan (New York Red Bulls), Justen Glad (Real Salt Lake), Pablo Pelaez (San Diego Surf), Mauricio Pineda (Chicago Fire), Tommy Redding (Orlando City SC)
MIDFIELDERS: Amir Bashti (San Jose Earthquakes), Cameron Lindley (Chicago Fire), Emmanuel Sabbi (Chicago Magic), Sebastian Saucedo (Real Salt Lake), Ben Swanson (Columbus Crew SC), Jackson Yueill (Minnesota Thunder), Eryk Williamson (D.C. United)
FORWARDS: Mukwelle Akale (Villarreal CF), Coy Craft (FC Dallas), Brooks Lennon (RSL Arizona), Christian Lucatero (Houston Dynamo), Victor Mansaray (Seattle Sounders)
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What do you think of the roster? Any notable snubs? Who are you most excited to see feature in April’s friendlies?
Share your thoughts below.
Correct me if I am wrong, but aren’t there just a U-17 and U-20 World Cup?
I know we have a U-17 and U-20 team. I’m just wondering why we have an U-18 team? Just an excuse to give more youth players a chance to compete internationally?
What? UBG doesn’t know everything? This can’t be right.
I have not yet been able to accumulate all the knowledge in the world.
Or any knowledge. U18 is a transitional team. Yes, there is no WC for them but it is meant to make it easier to go from U17 to U20.
Another thing jk has put together to help our youth
I believe it precedes JK but he is the first manager to try to get them all on one page but USSF is so fractured its hard for anyone to.
There was a problem where promising young players from our past U-17 teams would age out of the U-17 squad, but not quite be good enough to make the U-20 team, so they were essentially out of the national team setup until they could make the U-20 team. The higher-ups at US Soccer felt it would be beneficial to add more teams in order to bridge that gap and keep promising youth players participating in youth national squads throughout their development.
anyone know anything about this Brooks Lennon kid?
He is only there because he is related to John Lennon
Rumor earlier this year was Liverpool was trying to sign him. He had interest from Villa & Sporting Lisbon, I believe. There hasn’t been anything lately about his status.
He’s quick, & plays on the wing from what I remember.
A new low… After a nationwide search. A goalie that just happens to be related to the head of the NAT teams was located. Amazing how that works out
and Bob didn’t do a similar thing?…..
Not really. Mikey was already playing at Heerenveen in europe and getting matches when Bob called him in. Jonathon is pushing for the next level in college at Stanford.
Ben Swanson; any relation to Ron Swanson?
He wishes he was that lucky. (Great name, Duke)
Stop that! He is not the only player on the team. And what about it? It’s rude to comment on only that one player.
Wouldn’t it be ironic if Klinsmann plays for the German NT in 5 or 6 years?
is Tommy Redding is too old for the U17 WC this year?
The only reason Klinsmann made the team is because Bob Bradley is his father…
I wish I could rep this. Hilarious!
I DIDNT EVEN NOTICE UNTIL MY PHONE NOTIFIED ME HAHA.
– Don Ovan
dont go on social media it will mess up ur game
HAHAHAHAHA Donovan didn’t make the team HAHAHAHAHAHA!
That’s because I’m too busy scoring goals with the US U20 team. Maybe you’ll get there one day Johnny Boy.
Ummmm…where are Kyle Scott and Antonee Robinson?
Anyone know more about Kyle Duncan?
He’s straight from Brooklyn, better known as Crooklyn