As U-20 World Cup qualifying begins this November in Florida, Tab Ramos and his staff have begun to set their player pool. Last U-20 World Cup, the United States roster included three college players (Eryk Williamson, JT Marcinkowski and Jonathan Klinsmann). For this upcoming cycle, a majority of the players involved are already in professional set-ups, but College Soccer News takes a look at the current collegiate players with an opportunity to make the roster.
Manny Perez (North Carolina State) – The dynamic forward for the Wolfpack has been converted to an outside back by Ramos and his staff. It sits well for Perez, as this is a relative position of weakness for the U-20 side. Perez has had a busy summer, training with various MLS/USL teams. It is only a matter of time until he signs a GA deal or decides to go to Europe. The Atlantic Coast Conference 2017 Freshman of the Year is in one of the better positions to make the roster among current collegiate players.
Justin Garces (UCLA) – The freshman netminder has a big season ahead as UCLA will look to reclaim their status among the elite teams in 2018. The Atlanta United Academy keeper will likely only play in Westwood for a year or two. Garces faces stiff competition for the U-20s, but will be in the mix of four or so goalkeepers to make the roster.
Frankie Amaya (UCLA) – The diminutive playmaker was relatively unknown on the national circuti a year ago, but has made waves due to his stellar play with Pateadores and in recent national team camps. Amaya is capable of playing as an 8 or 10, and will definitely get more looks closer to qualifying. If Amaya can have a stellar start to the season, he has a good chance to make the roster.
Justin Rennicks (Indiana) – Remicks, a frequent call-up with the youth national team, is in prime position to make the U-20 qualifying roster. Rennicks should be high on the depth chart, with his stiffest competition at striker with Sebastian Soto (Hanover 96), who may not even be released by his club. Rennicks will look to improve on last year's numbers in Bloomington, but his versatility will keep him in the mix moving forward.
Trey Muse (Indiana) – The College Soccer News 2017 First Team All-Freshman honoree will look to build on his impressive freshman campaign. Muse has trialed overseas this summer and will likely be a pro within the next twelve months. Much like Garces, Muse will be competing with the likes of Brady Scott (FC Koln) and David Ochoa (RSL) for a spot to Poland in 2019.
Sean Zawadzki (Georgetown) – Zawadzki is an incoming freshman with the Hoyas and should make an impact at defensive midfield immediately. The Columbus Crew Academy product is sound technically and has a great soccer IQ. Although he faces tough competition at the 6 spot with established pros, he may be able to sneak into the qualifying due to the likes of Chris Durkin (DC United) potentially playing in the MLS playoffs.
Griffin Dorsey (Indiana) – The third Hoosier on the list, Dorsey is a creative midfielder, who is capable of playing in the front line as well. Dorsey, nearly received a GA contract last year and will be one of the favorites for the 2018 season. Dorsey has been given prior looks with the youth national teams and should be in the conversation come November.
Kyle Holcomb (Wake Forest) – Holcomb, Amaya's academy teammate at Pateadores is a natural goal scorer. The Development Academy Western Conference Best XI forward is likely behind Soto andRennicks at the 9 position, but a great start to his career with the Demon Deacons, could propel him into the qualifying roster.
