USA names roster for U-20 World Cup qualifying

The United States has their roster for U-20 World Cup qualifying. Head coach Tab Ramos named the 20-man roster that will look to get the Americans back onto the biggest stage for the age group, and he has a pretty experience squad to get the job done.

Only one of the players on the U.S. team plays in college, with the rest coming from professional teams in MLS, Liga MX and throughout Europe. Club Tijuana leads the way in providing four players to the team, with Pail Arriola, Amando Moreno, Fernando Arce and John Requejo all representing Xolos.

The most surprising name on the roster is Emerson Hyndman. He plays with some regularity for Fulham and with the qualifying tournament not falling on a FIFA date, most figured that the Cottagers would refuse to release him. It would be well within their right and perfectly reasonable, but they have agreed to let him play. With him and Romain Gall, the Americans should have an excellent midfield.

While many of the players have some professional experience, they all have been members of the U.S. U-20 team before, so they have international experience as well. Kellyn Acosta and Zack Steffen were even members of the 2013 U-20 World Cup team too so they have been here before.

The qualifying tournament begins on January 9 in Jamaica. The U.S. has been grouped with Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Panama and Guatemala. If they win their group, they automatically qualify for the World Cup. If they finish second or third, they will have to play in a playoff to qualify.

Goalkeepers: Ethan Horvath (Molde FK), Zack Steffen (SC Freiburg)

Defenders: Cameron Carter-Vickers (Tottenham Hotspur), Conor Donovan (N.C. State), Matt Miazga (New York Red Bulls), Shaquell Moore (Unattached), John Requejo (Club Tijuana), Tyler Turner (Orlando City)

Midfielders: Kellyn Acosta (FC Dallas), Fernando Arce (Club Tijuana), Russell Canouse (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim), Junior Flores (Borussia Dortmund), Romain Gall (Columbus Crew), Lynden Gooch (Sunderland), Emerson Hyndman (Fulham)

Forwards: Paul Arriola (Club Tijuana), Bradford Jamieson IV (LA Galaxy), Amando Moreno (Club Tijuana), Ben Spencer (Molde FK), Tommy Thompson (San Jose Earthquakes)