United States Soccer Federation announced today that Vancouver Whitecaps FC striker Omar Salgado has been called up to the USA U-20 squad for the 2011 CONCACAF U-20 Championship in Guatemala later this month.
Salgado is one of eight players from Major League Soccer to be selected in head coach Thomas Rongen's 20-player squad. On Sunday, the young Americans will assemble in Dallas, Texas, for a preparation camp before travelling to Guatemala City for the tournament on Friday, March 25.
"It's a great opportunity for him," said Whitecaps FC head coach Teitur Thordarson. "Being able to play for your country is always a big thing, no matter if it is at the U-20 or senior level. It's a great opportunity for him to play against players of his age from other countries. I wish him the best of luck in Guatemala."
The United States have been drawn in Group B with Panama and Suriname at this year's CONCACAF U-20 Championship. Rongen's squad will face Suriname on Tuesday, March 29, before taking on the Panamanians on Saturday, April 2. The top two teams from each of the four groups will advance to the all-important quarterfinals, with the four winners not only advancing to the championship semifinals, but earning qualification to the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia.
The Americans will be looking to advance to their eighth consecutive FIFA U-20 World Cup from the CONCACAF region, and 13th overall.
