New York City FC homegrown James Sands and NYCFC Academy player Tyler Shaver will be heading to the Czech Republic with the United States U-17 National Team to take part in the International Tournament Vaclav Jezek.
As the U-17 World Cup in October draws nearer, the US will be looking to use this tournament to sharpen their performances and gain chemistry in preparation for the big event.
READ:James Sands, US U-17s Drawn into World Cup Group A
With three games in three days, this tournament will be more of a sprint than a marathon for the Americans, who will open play against Hungary on August 22nd, before facing Russia and Japan over the next two days. After just a day's rest, the final will be played on August 26th.
Last year, the United States brought their U-18 squad to this tournament, defeating the host nation 4-2 in the tournament final. If they're able to achieve a similar result while fielding a team one age group younger, it could bode well for their World Cup hopes. The U.S. will face India, Ghana, and Colombia in the group stage of that tournament this October.
The full United States U-17 roster to take part in the International Tournament of Vaclav Jezek is below.
GOALKEEPERS (2): Carlos Joaquim Dos Santos (S.L. Benfica; Philadelphia, Penn.), Justin Garces (Atlanta United FC; Miami, Fla.)
DEFENDERS (7):Carlos Asensio (Atlanta United FC; Roswell, Ga.), Christopher Gloster (New York Red Bulls; Montclair, N.J.), Jaylin Lindsey (Sporting Kansas City; Charlotte, N.C.), James Sands (New York City FC; Rye, N.Y.), Tyler Shaver (New York City FC; Greenwich, Conn.), Arturo Vasquez (FC Golden State; Mira Loma, Calif.), Akil Watts (Portland Timbers; Fort Wayne, Ind.)
MIDFIELDERS (7): George Acosta (North Carolina FC; Hollywood, Fla. ), Taylor Booth (Real Salt Lake; Eden, Utah), Christopher Durkin (D.C. United; Glen Allen, Va.), Blaine Ferri (Solar Chelsea SC; Southlake, Texas), Chris Goslin (Atlanta United FC; Locust Grove, Ga.), Alex Mendez (LA Galaxy; Los Angeles, Calif.), Indiana V assilev (Unattached; Savannah, Ga.)
FORWARDS (6): Andrew Carleton (Atlanta United FC; Powder Springs, Ga.), Ulysses Llanez (LA Galaxy; Lynwood, Calif.), Alejandro Pereira (Orlando City SC; Oviedo, Fla. ), Jacobo Reyes (C.F. Monterrey; Monterrey, Mexico), Josh Sargent (Scott Gallagher Missouri; O'Fallen, Mo.), Timothy Weah (Paris Saint-Germain F.C.; Rosedale, N.Y.)
