Kolkata: Josh Sargent, who led the United States of America U-17 team in the recently concluded U-17 World Cup, has been called up to the senior national team squad for the first time, for a friendly match against Portugal, on November 14.
“It’s obviously a huge honor to get called into a first team camp, especially at such a young age. I’m just hoping to work hard in camp and make the most of this opportunity,” said Sargent, according to a statement from Saint Louis Football Club.
Despite being only 17, the lad has already represented his nation in the U-20 World Cup and is also the youngest American to play in the tournament. His two goals against Ecuador in the opening match also made him the youngest US player to score in the U-20 World Cup.
“With an eye towards the future, U.S. Men’s National Team acting head coach Dave Sarachan has called 21 players into training camp in advance of the USA’s final match of 2017, a friendly against third-ranked Portugal on Nov. 14 in Leiria,” the U.S soccer federation said in a statement.
It is however not a surprise for the youth sensation, who has already amassed 29 goals in 49 appearances, for the American youth teams. His three goals in the U-17 World Cup, sailed USA in the quarter-finals before the heart-breaking 4-1 Loss to England. Sargent is also the only US player, to play both in the U-17 and the U-20 World Cup.
The former St. Louis Scott Gallagher boy signed his first professional contract with German club Werder Bremen and will join the club in 2018. He began his career at St. Louis before going the IMG academy in 2016.
“This is an exciting opportunity for Josh and is a testament to his hard work and development over the years, both at the club and international level. We are proud he will represent his country with the senior team and provide an example for younger players at SLSG and STLFC of what is possible,” said Kevin Kalish, SLSG Vice-President and Club Director, as quoted by their official website.
The total 21 men squad –
Goalkeepers: Jesse Gonzalez (FC Dallas), Bill Hamid (Midtjylland), Ethan Horvath (Club Brugge)
Defenders: John Brooks (Wolfsburg), Cameron Carter-Vickers (Sheffield United), Eric Lichaj (Nottingham Forest), Matt Miazga (Vitesse), Tim Ream (Fulham), Jorge Villafaña (Santos Laguna), DeAndre Yedlin (Newcastle United)
Midfielders: Kellyn Acosta (FC Dallas), Tyler Adams (New York Red Bulls), Alejandro Bedoya (Philadelphia Union), Lynden Gooch (Sunderland), Weston McKennie (Schalke), Kelyn Rowe (New England Revolution), Danny Williams (Huddersfield Town)
Forwards: Juan Agudelo (New England Revolution), Dom Dwyer (Orlando City SC), C.J. Sapong (Philadelphia Union), Josh Sargent (St. Louis Scott Gallagher).