US Under 20s Ready to open World Cup qualifying in Trinidad

The US Under 20 National Soccer Team is ready to open qualifying for the 2009 Under 20 World Cup to be held later this year in Egypt.  In Group A the U20s face Jamaica, El Salvador and the winner of St Vincent or Honduras in the three qualifying matches. 

Group B has Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica and Trinidad in a very difficult group.   The top two sides from each group will gain spots in the 2009 U20 World Cup.

Last week, US coach Thomas Rongen named the 20 man US roster for the tournament which included such familiar names as Jared Jeffrey, Brian Perk, Peri Marosevic, Brek Seah and Anthony Wallace.   The squad includes six players form MLS sides including four from FC Dallas alone.  Another three play overseas while eight are from the college ranks.

Aaron Maund of Notre Dame was granted his request to change federations from Trinidad to the USA this week by FIFA.  Maund had played in the previous U17 World Cup with Trinidad and had to be cleared to join the US Under 20 squad for the U20 World Cup qualifying.