The U.S. Boys’ U-18 national team will travel to Moscow, Russia on July 5 to compete in the first-ever World Youth Games, an Olympic-style competition open to athletes who were born after January 1, 1981. The World Youth Games feature thirteen different sports challenged for in much the same manner as the Summer Olympic Games, complete with opening ceremonies and medal presentations. Under the direction of head coach Mitch Murray (Santa Clara, Calif.), the U-18 National team will represent the U.S. in the soccer competition and will face Group D opponents Georgia (July 8), Turkey (July 10) and Poland (July 12) in the first round. The top two teams in each of the four groups will advance to the quarterfinals (July 14). The semifinals will be contested on July 16 and the final will be played July 19.

U-18 Roster

Goalkeepers — Curtis Spiteri (Vista, Calif.), Doug Warren (Hoffman Estates, Ill.). Defenders — Abe Geiger (East Lansing, Mich.), Ian Joy (W. Lothian, Scotland), Matt Oliver (Waldorf, Md. ), Justin Radcliff (Miami, Fla.), Jason Thorpe (Racho Cucamonga, Calif.). Midfielders — Alex Casabielle (Miami, Fla.), Brian Carroll (Springfield, Va.), Micah Cooks (Washington, D.C.), Timothy Garry (Medway, Mass.), Kyle Martino (Westport, Conn.), Carlos Morales (N. Hollywood, Calif.), Andreas Murriagui (Riverside, Calif.). Forwards — Edson Buddle (New Rochelle, NY), Ryan Gibbs (West Chester, Penn.), Angelo Herrera (Albuquerque, N.M.), Kevin Wickart (Lisle, Ill.).