PDL Feature
Thursday, May 15, 2014
TAMPA, Fla. – U.S. Soccer announced a 24-player Under-20 Men’s National Team squad that will convene at N.C. State University on Saturday for a week-long camp that will include a scrimmage with USL PRO’s Wilmington Hammerheads. Five members of the squad, which is building toward the 2015 FIFA U20 World Cup in New Zealand, are current or former PDL players.
Sounders FC U23 goalkeeper Jeff Caldwell, Carolina Dynamo midfielder Travis Wannemuehler, pictured, and Portland Timbers U-23s midfielder Jacori Hayes all make their second appearances at the camp, having previously attended in January. Wannamuehler, who will be at his other home turf at the Wolfpack’s soccer complex, made his debut for the Dynamo on Saturday in their victory against the SC United Bantams.
Caldwell, meanwhile, brings a strong pedigree as he prepares for his freshman season at Virginia this fall. A former U.S. U18 international, Caldwell is set to join the Sounders U23 this summer following the conclusion of the camp.
Hayes is also set to head to the Pacific Northwest following camp as he competes for the Timbers U-23s this summer. A former U.S. U18 international alongside Caldwell, Hayes had a goal and an assist as a freshman at Wake Forest this past fall.
This week’s camp will be the first for Reading United AC’s Sagel, who made his debut for the PDL side last Wednesday in a 2-2 draw against the Jersey Express. Sagel had a strong freshman season for Temple where he started all 18 games for the Owls and opted to remain in the Philadelphia area to compete for the PDL affiliate of Major League Soccer’s Philadelphia Union.
Bailey also makes his first appearance at camp as he returns to the U.S. from Bayer Leverkusen in Germany. The 18-year-old played in 2012 for the Nashville Metros before turning professional and signing with the Bundesliga club, where he currently plays for the reserve team.
The U20s will be led in camp by Brian Bliss, with the camp set to conclude on Sunday, May 24 with a scrimmage against the Wilmington Hammerheads at 6 p.m. ET. The U20s' next camp will take place in mid-July in Carson, Calif. ahead of the NTC Invitational Tournament.