Sebastián Soto chooses to play for the United States over Chile
The young prospect made his decision to play for the US and not for Chile even though Chilean coach Reinaldo Rueda wanted to call him up to his squad.
On 3 November the United States coach Gregg Berhalter announced a 24-player roster for the November camp ahead of the two friendlies against Wales and Panama. In the list appears the name of the young prospect Sebastián Soto who could make his debut in the match against Wales on 12 November.
Soto is one of the 10 players who could make their debut with the United States men’s national team this year. The San Diego-born player is currently playing for SC Telstar on loan from Norwich City. The 20-year-old has scored five goals in six appearances this season in the Netherlands second division.
"What a feeling. Can't wait," wrote Soto
Back in September Soto was in the Chile squad ahead of the 2024 World Cup qualifiers. At that time, coach Reinaldo Rueda called him to convince him to choose ‘La Roja’ over the USMNT.
In the end Rueda didn’t include Soto in Chile’s final roster for the first two games of the group stage of the World Cup qualifiers in South America. ‘La Roja’ lost 2-1 against Uruguay in Montevideo on 8 October and five days later drew 2-2 against Colombia.
USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter took the opportunity to talk to him and call him up for the two upcoming friendlies, an invitation that Soto has accepted.