Palace to Face U.S. U-17 National Team in World Cup Warm-Up

Published on October 8, 2009 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Crystal Palace Baltimore News Release


Baltimore, MD - Crystal Palace Baltimore is pleased to announce that they have scheduled a friendly match against the United States U-17 Men's National Team at 10:30am on October 17th 2009 at Loyola University. The game will serve as a warm-up for the U.S. U-17s as they prepare to travel to Nigeria for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup which begins at the end of October. Fans can attend the game at no cost.

The Palace squad for this exhibition game will consist of twelve players still under contract after the conclusion of the 2009 USL season, as well as several prominent players under consideration for next season. This game will also mark the unveiling of Palace's newest signing, Brazilian playmaker Neto (full name Adauto Neto). A further press release on Neto can be expected in the next 24 hours.

The U.S. U17 squad has just returned from England where they held a training camp that included games against the Academy teams of English Premier League sides Chelsea and Arsenal, as well as the Gambian U-17 National Team.

"We got a call from the U-17 National Team staff who were looking to play a tune-up match prior to leaving for the World Cup on October 20th" Crystal Palace Baltimore's Sporting Director and Co-Manager explained, "and we were happy to oblige. We'll be the last friendly they play before they depart for Nigeria. We're very excited to host them - we think it'll be a good event and a great opportunity for Baltimore area fans to see the best players in the country from that age group."

Cherneski highlighted some of the players to watch on the U17 roster: "Jack McInerney was the team's leading scorer through qualifying and has received offers from Holland and Mexico to play professionally. Then there's Victor Chavez who looked very strong when I was watching the players at residency camp down in Florida a few weeks ago."

"They appear to be a solid team and they're going to be at peak fitness when they come here" concluded Cherneski. "They'll be sharp and we expect them to be a strong opponent."

Pete Medd, Crystal Palace Baltimore President and Co-Manager added: "We're honored to play a part in getting this team ready to perform well for the United States at the U-17 World Cup. Obviously we'll be cheering them on when they're in Africa and we hope they do extremely well."

The U.S. U-17 Men's National Team will play in Group E with Spain, Malawi and the United Arab Emirates at the U-17 World Cup in Nigeria. The only country to qualify for all 13 FIFA U-17 World Cups dating back to 1985, the U.S. will play its group games against Spain on Oct. 26, Malawi on Oct. 29 and UAE on Nov. 1. The U.S. qualified for Nigeria by winning Group A at the 2009 CONCACAF U-17 Championship in Mexico, in April.

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