Youth & High School

Akpan included in U-20 squad
January 8, 2007


Harvard University's Andre Akpan has been included the USA Under-20 squad for the side's upcoming CONCACAF Qualifying tournament in Panama.

Andre Akpan (Harvard media relations)

Akpan, who scored eleven goals in his first year for the Crimson and was named Ivy League Rookie of the Year, participated in Thomas Rongen's squad's first camp last month and was a half-time substitute in the USA's 2-0 win over Canada.

"We are thrilled for Andre and the success that he has earned," said Harvard head coach, John Kerr. "First and foremost, I think Andre impressed the national team coaches with his attitude and approach to the game. He is consistent in his ability to find the back of the net but he showed that he is not just a goal scorer - he can hold the ball and include the rest of his team in a play."

‘Studio 90', US Soccer's excellent webcast, has followed Akpan's progress throughout the first camp as the Texan sought to impress the Rongen and his coaches. To view ‘Roster Spot', click here.

The USA is in Group A of the qualifying tournament and will kick off its campaign against Haiti on 17 January, before facing Guatemala two days alter. Rongen's side will complete its schedule against the host nation on 21 January.

The top two teams in the group will qualify for the World Cup in Canada, which will take place from 30 June 30 – 22 July.

Roster

Goalkeepers: Brian Perk (UCLA), Chris Seitz (University of Maryland)

Defenders: Quavas Kirk (L.A. Galaxy), Ofori Sarkodie (Indiana University), Nathan Sturgis (L.A. Galaxy), Julian Valentin (Wake Forest), Anthony Wallace (University of South Florida), Tim Ward (Columbus Crew)

Midfielders: Freddy Adu (Real Salt Lake), Bryan Arguez (Miami, Fla.), Tony Beltran (UCLA), Amaechi Igwe (Santa Clara), Danny Szetela (Columbus Crew), Jonathan Villanueva (Virginia)

Forwards: Andre Akpan (Harvard), Josmer Altidore (N.Y. Red Bulls), Robbie Rogers (SC Heerenveen), Johann Smith (FC Bolton), Preston Zimmerman (Hamburg SV), Sal Zizzo (UCLA)