US Under 20s ready to open World Cup Saturday with Germany

The United States Under 20 mens soccer team is in Egypt and ready to open the 2009 World Cup with Germany on Saturday.  It is a difficult test to open the tournament against the reigning European champions, but the Americans say they are up to the task. 

The US has championship experience on the roster as both Brian Perk and Bryan Arguez played in the last Under 20 World Cup and five others took part in the Under 17 World Cup, but Germany will not be awe.  The Germans rolled to the European title and will field a physical squad led by striker Richard Sukuta-Pasu of Bayer Leverkusen.  Germany will be affected by the recently started club season though as big names Toni Kroos and Marko Marin will be staying with the pro sides.

The US attack will be led by a pair of FC Dallas players in Brek Shea and Peri Marosevic which should provide a dynamic pair to trouble defenses.  The midfield should be very strong with players such as Dillon Powers, Dilly Duka, Bryan Arguez and Jared Jeffries while the defense will be led by Kyle Davies and Ike Opara.

The best luxury for the US squad though will be in the net where the experienced Brian Perk will be rooted.  Perk has tons of international experience and didnt give up a goal through CONCACAF qualifying.

The Americans did have to make some tough injury decisions as starter Anthony Wallace was forced out of the squad due to a knee injury.  Also Sam Garza suffered a similar knee injury and was replaced by Gerson Mayen on the roster. 

Saturday Sept. 26  Germany             10 am        ESPN Classic
Tuesday Sept. 29   Cameroon          12:45 pm  ESPN2
Friday Oct. 2           Korea Republic  12:45 pm  ESPN2