US under-20s reach round of 16 with a little latin help
There are 10 children of Latin American immigrants in the US U20 team at the 2019 World Championship in Poland, where they are through to the knock-out stages.
The United States men's national team U20 reached the last 16 of the under-20 World Cup in Poland after two wins and a draw in the group stage, with the squad displaying players with bright futures, among them players with Latin roots delivering great performances.
The USMNT contains ten players with Latin American immigrant parents from countries as diverse as Haiti, Puerto Rico, Chile, Mexico, and Brazil; players who have earned their place in the US squad, competing daily to shine in their generation despite the internal political friction within the US.
David Ochoa (Mexico)
Born in Oxnard, California, to Mexican parents. On Thursday, had the opportunity to be the goalkeeper in the last group stage match earning a clean sheet against Qatar. His next challenge is to fight for the position in the next phase.
Konrad de la Fuente (Haiti)
The Barcelona "B" player was born in Miami, Florida, but comes from a Haitian family. He started all three group stage matches and plays as a right winger; he is one of the players that excites with his offense forays in each game.
Sebastian Soto (Chile / Mexico)
The Hannover 96 forward was born in San Diego, California, his mother is Mexican, and his father is Chilean, which is why he had the option to play for any of the three countries. So far he has been on target twice for his team, scoring a double in the victory against Nigeria.
Richard Ledezma (Mexico)
Born in Phoenix, Arizona, to Mexican parents. On Thursday against Qatar, he had his first minutes showing interesting things with his over-lays and shots on goal.
Brandon Servania (Puerto Rico)
The MLS midfielder was born in Dallas, Texas, but is from a Puerto Rican family; in fact, his brother plays for Puerto Rico. Servania plays on the right side and scored the first goal of the United States in this World Cup against Ukraine. A player that coach Tab Ramos will count on for the Round of 16.
Julián Araujo (Mexico)
The Defender was born in Lompoc, California, from Mexican parents. He plays for the MLS franchise LA Galaxy and was called up to the World Cup by Tab Ramos; however, he has yet to feature in the action in Poland to date.
Ulysses Llanez (Mexico)
He was born in Lynwood, California, to Mexican parents. In 2017 he was called by Mexico U-16, but finally opted for the United States and in this World Cup he had his first taste of theaction in the game against Qatar.
Edwin Cerrillo (Mexico)
The FC Dallas player was born in Frisco, Texas. Son of a Mexican father made his professional debut against LA Galaxy. Yet to feature for the US to date in Poland.
Matthew Real (Brazil)
Born in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, to Brazilian parents. He has featured as a substitute in two of the group stage matches and plays for Philadelphia Union in MLS.
Other U-20 players
Timothy Weah is the son of a Liberian soccer legend; he was born in New York being able to play for the US side; Sergiño Gianni Dest was born in Holland, but his dad is American, and his mother is German. Finally, Mark McKenzie was born in the New York Bronx, and his father is Jamaican.