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USL Experience Alum Kunga Named to U.S. U20 World Cup Roster

05/09/2017, 3:15pm EDT
By AARON CRANFORD - aaron.cranford@uslsoccer.com

Forward is one of 21 players named to roster for tournament in South Korea


SYL / Lagos Kunga at 2016 USL Experience in Cincinnati

A little more than year ago, Lagos Kunga was showing off his talents at the Super Y League's inaugural USL Experience. Now, the talented forward has an opportunity to showcase his abilities on the world's stage after being named to the U.S. Under-20 Men's National Team's FIFA Under-20 World Cup roster.

Kunga was one of 21 players named to Head Coach Tab Ramos' roster for the World Cup in South Korea. Last year, the forward was one of 69 Super Y League named to the USL Experience hosted by FC Cincinnati.

"We are excited, but it certainly comes as no surprise to the technical staff here at the USL that Lagos was named in the U.S. Under-20 World Cup roster," USL VP of Competition and Technical Development Gordon Bengtson told SYLSoccer.com. "Lagos emerged as a mercurial talent at the 2015 Super Y League North American Finals and consistently showed moments of brilliance throughout that event – particularly in the Final. During the inaugural USL Experience event, he had moments of dominance standing out among the league’s top one percent.

"Lagos’ story is truly inspirational. He is a great example of perseverance and dedication. We hope more players in the Super Y League can follow his example and take advantage of the professional pathway offered by the USL and its league properties."

Kunga, who currently competes for the Atlanta United Academy, recently took part in the U.S. U20 camp in London, England, last month.

Before joining the Atlanta United Academy, the forward shined at the Super Y League North American Finals. For his outstanding performance, he earned a spot on the U16 Boys roster for the 2016 USL Experience. 

Following the event, he joined Atlanta United FC’s USL affiliate, the Charleston Battery. He trained with the first team at IMG Academy during MLS preseason and has been making waves with the team's U18 side since then.

“Lagos has shown how hard work and perseverance can pay off and this is a tremendous opportunity for him to showcase his abilities,” Atlanta United Academy Director Tony Annan told ATLUTD.com. “We couldn’t be more proud to have someone like Lagos represent our club and our academy on the international stage. We look forward to watching him and wish the group best of luck in Korea.”

The U.S. U20 Men's National Team is paired with Ecuador, Saudi Arabia and Senegal in Group F of the 2017 U20 World Cup, which is set to begin on May 20. The U.S. plays Ecuador in its first match on May 22. The second match against Senegal is scheduled for May 25, while the team ends group play against Saudi Arabia on May 28.

U.S. Under-20 Roster:

Goalkeepers: Jonathan Klinsmann (University of California; Newport Beach, Calif.), J.T. Marcinkowski (Georgetown; Alamo, Calif.), Brady Scott (De Anza Force; Petaluma, Calif.)

Defenders: Danny Acosta (Real Salt Lake; Salt Lake City, Utah), Cameron Carter-Vickers (Tottenham Hotspur FC; Westcliff-on-Sea, England), Marlon Fossey (Fulham FC; Surbiton, England), Justen Glad (Real Salt Lake; Tucson, Ariz.), Aaron Herrera (University of New Mexico; Las Cruces, N.M.), Erik Palmer-Brown (Sporting Kansas City; Lee's Summit, Mo.), Tommy Redding (Orlando City SC; Oviedo, Fla.)

Midfielders: Tyler Adams (New York Red Bulls; Wappingers Falls, N.Y.), Luca De La Torre (Fulham FC; San Diego, Calif.), Derrick Jones (Philadelphia Union; Philadelphia, Pa.), Eryk Williamson (University of Maryland; Alexandria, Va.), Gedion Zelalem (Arsenal FC; Bethesda, Md.)

Forwards: Jeremy Ebobisse (Portland Timbers; Bethesda, Md.), Lagos Kunga (Atlanta United FC Academy; Tucker, Ga.) Brooks Lennon (Real Salt Lake; Paradise Valley, Ariz.), Emmanuel Sabbi (Unattached; Columbus, Ohio), Josh Sargent (Scott Gallagher Missouri; O'Fallon, Mo.), Sebastian Saucedo (Real Salt Lake; Park City, Utah)

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