Dynamo midfielder Danny Cruz named to United States U-20 qualifying roster

HOUSTON, TEXAS (February 23, 2009) Houston Dynamo midfielder Danny Cruz was named to the United States U-20 national team roster for the upcoming CONCACAF U-20 Championship in Trinidad & Tobago March 6-15, U.S. Soccer announced. Four teams from the tournament will qualify for the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup, to be held in Egypt Sept. 25-Oct. 17.

The U.S. will open its qualifying campaign on Friday, March 6, taking on Jamaica at Dwight Yorke Stadium in Bacolet, Tobago at 7 p.m. local time (5 p.m. CT). Rongen’s squad will face the winner of a playoff game between Honduras and St. Vincent & the Grenadines on March 8 at 6 p.m. (4 p.m. CT) and round out Group A play on Tuesday, March 10, at 7 p.m. (5 p.m. ET).

Cruz, a third-round pick in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft out of UNLV, is one of six Major League Soccer players named to the 19-man roster.

“It is an honor to play for your country,” Cruz said. “I’m fortunate to be one of the 20 players going to Trinidad and Tobago. I’m honored and proud to be part of something so special.”