NC State’s Manny Perez Called Up to U.S. U-20 National Team

For the second year in a row, NC State Sophomore Manny Perez has been called up by the United States Soccer Federation. Perez will be joining the U-20 Men’s National Team in Florida (Bradenton), from Sept. 7-11. Over those 5 days, Perez and the U.S. U-20 Men’s National Team will face off against Jamaica, Venezuela and the U.S. U-19 Mens National Team.

The head coach of the team will be Tab Ramos, who happens to be a former NC State Soccer star, and currently serves as the U.S. Youth Technical Director.

The U.S. U-20s are in the middle of the 2019 World Cup cycle with the Concacaf U-20 Men’s Championship on the horizon. The tournament, which will qualify four teams for the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland, will take place at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. from Nov. 1-21. The draw for the tournament is set to be held on Sept. 13. (US)

Through 4 games, Perez has 1 goal, and his 4 assists are tied for the most in the ACC.

Perez was called up during his Freshman season as well, and ended up missing 3 of NC State’s matches.

At the end of the 2017 season, Top Drawer Soccer ranked Perez as the #2 Freshman in the country.

Coach Santoro’s thoughts on Perez being called up

“Obviously at NC State we want to work with top players like Manny,” Wolfpack head coach George Kiefer said. “We want to have relationships where we are coaching college-aged men and embracing their personal opportunities for professional development because this is something that benefits both parties. When a proper opportunity comes along, we fully support it.”

“When we told the team about Manny’s news (after the victory over William & Mary), the team was excited, clapping, and supportive of him because they understand the gravity of the opportunity,” Kiefer added. “We’re also thankful that the administration at NC State is supportive of embracing the opportunities that come along with having top international players on the roster.” (Link)

NC State will not have Perez when they face #1 Wake Forest this Friday night.