#INSERT type:image caption:FC Dallas midfielder Kellyn Acosta was named to the U.S. provisional roster for the U20 World Cup.END#
Goalkeeper Zack Steffen and FC Dallas midfielder Kellyn Acosta, who were part of the 2013 U.S. Under-20 men's national team, are among the 20 players named to coach Tab Ramos' U.S. team headed to the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand, which runs from May 30-June 20.
While neither player played in Turkey, both said they gained experience that will help this roster. It will be Ramos' second World Cup as coach.
Tab Ramos Names 2015 FIFA U-20 #USMNT World Cup Roster: http://t.co/nE3gLS3xdv pic.twitter.com/So4fDz26gb
- U.S. Soccer YNT (@ussoccer_ynt) May 7, 2015
"I was able to look at how polished pros like Will Trapp and Luis Gil led and handled the group; how mature they were about what they did," said Acosta of 2013.
"Going into this World Cup, with what I was able to observe two years ago, I think I can help the guys that maybe haven't been in such a big stage before be more prepared so they can play and just be focused on the game and not be distracted by all the other things that come with the World Cup."
Ramos only named 20 spots out of a possible 21. He is saving a spot for Gedion Zelalem in case his paperwork is approved, according to ESPN FC's Jeff Carlisle. Zach Pfeffer is also a candidate, sources said.
Zelalem was born in Germany but raised in Maryland. He acquired United States citizenship in December, though he is currently ineligible to play for Jurgen Klinsmann's U.S. squad while navigating FIFA's complicated waiver laws.
The final 21-man roster deadline to FIFA is May 15 and camp in Carson, California, gets underway on May 11 with the group heading to training in Australia on May 16 where they will be joined by the remaining players. A total of 15 players in the group have development academy ties.
"I'm very excited about this particular group," said Ramos. "It was very difficult making the final decision because there were quite a few players who deserved to go to the World Cup. Unfortunately, in the end I can only select a certain number, and I'm very happy with the selections that we made."
The U.S. was drawn into Group A with host New Zealand, Ukraine and Myanmar. The team opens group play against Myanmar at 12 a.m. ET on May 30, followed by matches with New Zealand on June 2 and Ukraine on June 5.
Roster:
Goalkeepers (3): Jeff Caldwell (University of Virginia; Todd, N.C.), Ethan Horvath (Molde FK; Highlands Ranch, Colo.), Zack Steffen (Freiburg; Downingtown, Pa.)
Defenders (6): Cameron Carter-Vickers (Tottenham Hotspur; Westcliff on Sea, England), Matthew Miazga (New York Red Bulls; Clifton, N.J.), Shaquell Moore (Unattached; Powder Springs, Ga.), Erik Palmer-Brown (Sporting Kansas City; Lee's Summit, Mo.), Desevio Payne (FC Groningen; Greenwood, S.C.), John Requejo (Club Tijuana; Carpinteria, Calif.)
Midfielders (6): Kellyn Acosta (FC Dallas; Plano, Texas), Paul Arriola (Club Tijuana; Chula Vista, Calif.), Russell Canouse (Hoffenheim; Lancaster, Pa.), Marco Delgado (Toronto FC; Glendora, Calif.), Emerson Hyndman (Fulham; Dallas, Texas), Joel Soñora (Boca Juniors; Buenos Aires, Argentina)
Forwards (5): Jordan Allen (Real Salt Lake; Rochester, N.Y.), Bradford Jamieson IV (LA Galaxy; Los Angeles, Calif.), Rubio Rubin (Utrecht; Beaverton, Ore.), Maki Tall (Red Star; Washington, D.C.), Tommy Thompson (San Jose Earthquakes; Loomis, Calif.)