U.S. U-20 Men’s National Team accepts invitation to Dallas Cup

DALLAS, Texas –The U.S. Under-20 Men’s National Team will participate in the Gordon Jago Super Group at the 2014 Dallas Cup. Building upon a history of bringing future National Team stars to the prestigious tournament, this will be the fifth appearance for a U.S. National Team in the Gordon Jago Super Group, and the first since 2010. Dallas Cup XXXV will be played from April 13th through April 20th, 2014.

“We are very excited to welcome the U.S. Under-20 Men’s National Team as part of our 35th anniversary tournament,” said Dallas Cup Executive Director Andy Swift. “The U.S. National Teams and their emerging stars have a strong tradition of performing well in the Dr Pepper Dallas Cup, and we are certain this year will be no exception. The addition of the U.S. Under-20 Men’s National Team further raises the profile of an already strong Gordon Jago Super Group.”

Coached by U.S. Men’s National Team legend, Tab Ramos, the team will use the competitive strength of the Dallas Cup to prepare for the upcoming qualifying stages of the 2015 U-20 World Cup. As the U-20 World Cup is a year away, all current players in the U.S. U-20 pool qualify for the U-19 age bracket.

“We think that the Dallas Cup offers tremendous competitive value for us domestically,” Ramos said. “The tournament brings in elite international clubs to the U.S., so we are excited to see our players give their best effort out there as we look toward making the final squad leading into the U-20 World Cup qualifying in early 2015.”

Some of Dallas Cup’s most famous alumni have made their Dallas Cup debut while starring with the U.S. National Teams, including Landon Donovan and DaMarcus Beasley (1999), Michael Bradley (2003), and most recently, MLS Rookie of the Year, Dillon Powers (2010). Players expected to participate include FC Dallas homegrown product Kellyn Acosta, who was a member of the USA’s 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup team; Chivas USA midfielder Marco Delgado; and Lorient FC midfielder Romain Gall.

The U.S. U-20 MNT is beginning its preparation process toward forming the roster for the 2015 CONCACAF U-20 Championship in which four teams from the region will advance to the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup from May 30-June 20 in New Zealand.