One of the most anticipated youth national team tournaments of the year kicks off today in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. The Nike International Friendlies tournament, featuring the United States, England, Brazil and the Netherlands, is a U-17 competition that pits many up-and-coming players against one another in a friendly setting.
The Earthquakes will be represented, with 15-year-old Quakes Academy midfielder Gilbert Fuentes being named to the United States’ final roster yesterday. Fuentes has been a starter during the previous international competitions he has been involved in.
Later today, Brazil and the Netherlands will face off at 12:30 p.