The United States U-19 team doesn’t get many camps, so it’s encouraging to see them head overseas for a quality set of matches. This group will be led by Rob Valentino, a new face in the U.S. Soccer coaching setup. Valentino most recently served as an interim head coach and assistant with Atlanta United and previously held roles with Orlando City and within the USL. The U-19s will travel to Spain from June 2–10, where they’ll face Spain on June 7 and Ukraine on June 10.
The roster
GK, Adam Rick, Philadelphia Union (2006)
GK, Duran Ferree, Nordsjaelland (2006)
RB, Aiden Harangi, Eintracht Frankfurt (2006)
RB, Harbor Miller, LA Galaxy (2007)
RB, Owen Presthus, Columbus Crew (2006)
CB, Stuart Hawkins, Seattle Sounders (2006)
CB, Freddie Anderson, Cork City (2006)
CB, Tate Lampman, Georgetown University (2006)
DM, Aron John, Charlotte FC (2006)
DM, Edwyn Mendoza, San Jose Earthquakes (2006)
CM, Jonny Shore, NYCFC (2007)
CM, Diego Garcia, FC Dallas (2006)
AM, CJ Olney, Philadelphia Union (2006)
AM, Ruben Ramos, LA Galaxy (2007)
AM, Micah Burton, Austin FC (2006)
AM, David Vazquez, Philadelphia Union (2006)
WING, Bryce Jamison, Orange County SC (2006)
WING, Mykhi Joyner, St. Louis City (2006)
CF, Keyrol Figueroa, Liverpool (2006)
Top players that are provisionally tied to other countries
RB, Malachi Molina, FC Dallas (Jamaica)
CB, Lazar Stefanovic, Toronto FC (Canada)
CM, Alejandro Granados, Club Brugge (Spain)
WING, Fidel Barajas, Chivas (Mexico)
CF, Álex Woiski, Mallorca (Argentina)
The most talented eligible players not here
CF, Justin Ellis (Orlando City)
Ellis is currently with the U-18s, but he’s a candidate for promotion to this age group based on his talent.
CM/DM, Darius Lane (Brighton)
Lane seemed like a potential inclusion, but it appears he won’t be in camp this window.
RB, Oscar Verhoeven, San Diego FC (2006)
Verhoeven is getting minutes at San Diego FC following a loan move from the San Jose Earthquakes. It’s unlikely he is on the U-20 roster.
GK, Adam Beaudry, Colorado Rapids (2006)
Beaudry has been in the mix with the U-20s, but doesn't make the U-20 or the U-19 team this time around.
WING, Dylan Borso, Chicago Fire (2006)
This age group is thin on natural wingers, and Borso is a player who could provide depth and quality in wide areas.
Player receiving first camp
Two players are receiving their first USYNT call-up: Tate Lampman and Aron John. Lampman was an intriguing prospect at Houston Dynamo’s academy, and it was surprising they didn’t sign him. He’s reportedly doing well at Georgetown, and a move to the pro ranks wouldn’t be unexpected.
John has been highly productive in MLS NEXT Pro, and it’s good to see that form recognized at the national team level.
Roster grade: A-
This is a relatively shallow pool, but the staff did well with the options available. Miller, Olney, Jamison, and Figueroa bring high-end quality, while Ramos looks better suited to the U-19 level than the U-20s at this stage. The only major omission in my opinion is Justin Ellis who is with the U-18s, but I think he deserves to be here or with the U-20s.
The squad is balanced across positions and has a good mix of technical and physical profiles. This is a strong group with several players who will view these matches as a chance to push for inclusion in the next U-20 cycle.
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