BOISE, Idaho – Rosters have been announced for Team USA and Team Mexico ahead of the Arena Soccer International Friendly at Idaho Central Arena this Saturday, August 13 at 7:00 p.m.
On the side of the USA Soccer 567 team led by six-time champion coach Phil Salvagio, a star-studded lineup will enter the pitch that showcases two-time MASL Goalkeeper of the Year Danny Waltman, four-time MASL Most Valuable Player Franck Tayou, and recently-named MASL Defenders of the Year honorees Drew Ruggles and Chad Vandegriffe. Rising stars include a national team debut for Sean Callahan, a member of the U16 U.S. National Futsal Team in Cole Russell, and 2016 Gatorade National High School Player of the Year Lucas Mendes.
Idaho also features one tie to the USA roster through Brian Farber, a native of Sandpoint, Idaho making his return to the international friendly in Boise.
The Mexican National Futbol Rapido Team, will be led by Edgar “Chebo” Martinez as Head Coach for Rene Ortiz’s team and feature five returning players from their 2019 World MiniFootball World Cup Championship team, including All-MASL selections Brandon Escoto and Christian Gutierrez, Luis Ortega, Hiram Ruiz, and Daniel Villela. All-MASL selection Carlos Gonzalez will also feature on the roster in addition to two players making their national team debuts: Jaimie Romero, who recently signed with the MASL’s Chicuahua Savage, and Irvin Mojica.
Seven of the Mexican national players also celebrated the 2022 MASL Championship with the San Diego Sockers.
Listed below are the rosters for both teams, as announced by their respective organizations:
USA567 Men’s National Team Roster
Danny Waltman (Tacoma Stars)
Drew Ruggles (Florida Tropics)
Chad Vandegriffe (Florida Tropics)
Franck Tayou (Ontario Fury)
Uzi Tayou (Ontario Fury)
Justin Stinson (Ontario Fury)
Zach Reget (Florida Tropics)
Brian Farber (San Diego Sockers)
Lucas Mendes (Fredericksburg Fire)
Sean Callahan (San Diego Sockers)
Juan Gonzalez (San Diego Sockers)
Felipe Gonzalez (San Diego Sockers)
Cory Keitz (Tacoma Stars)
Cole Russell (Grand Rapids Ole)
Mexican National Futbol Rapido Team Roster
Bryan Sarabia (Chihuahua Savage)
Jaime Romero (Chihuahua Savage)
Manuel Rojo (San Diego Sockers)
Christian Gutierrez (San Diego Sockers)
Luis “Pee Wee” Ortega (San Diego Sockers)
Hiram Ruiz (San Diego Sockers)
Gerardo Jurado (San Diego Sockers)
Daniel Villela (Harrisburg Heat)
Irvin Mojica (Romina FC)
Brandon Escoto (San Diego Sockers)
Carlos “Charlie” Gonzalez (San Diego Sockers)
Alan Crespo (Romina FC)
This will be the first game for both the US and Mexico since the announcement that the 2023 WMF World Cup will be played in April in Ras al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates. It was originally scheduled to be played this year in Kyiv, Ukraine, but was displaced by the war.
Team USA marks their fifth summer in Boise since 2017, returning to Idaho Central Arena for their fourth friendly event. Team USA made their Treasure Valley debut on Aug. 11, 2017 in a sold-out international friendly against Team Brazil then won an international friendly tournament with Team Mexico, Team Columbia and Team Somalia in 2018 prior to their last two meetings with Team Mexico.
Arena soccer is high-scoring and incorporates many elements familiar to hockey. The playing surface is surrounded by the boards and glass used during Steelheads games, players change on-the-fly and are limited to 5-on-5 with one goaltender, and some penalties will result in man-advantage situations.
Tickets for the event start at just $30 and are available by clicking here.