Mikey Varas and Daniel Edelman speak to the media ahead of the U-20 World Cup

With the U-20 Men’s World Cup kicking off tomorrow in Argentina, United States U-20 Manager, Mikey Varas, addressed the media this afternoon. Joining Varas was the side’s captain, Daniel Edelman, a 20-year-old New York Red Bulls midfielder. Varas and Edelman shared their excitement for the tournament and the team’s opening match against Ecuador tomorrow.

Mikey Varas, who took over control of the under-20 side in November of 2021, began by highlighting the enthusiasm shared throughout the federation for this tournament before outlining the structure of his selected squad. The manager noted that with younger age groups, the uncertainty of player releases adds a level of uncertainty that made constructing this roster extremely difficult; however, he is thrilled with the group in Argentina. Prompted by questions about injuries and squad fitness, Varas assured the media that his side is fit and optimistic about health heading into tomorrow’s opening match. Although he acknowledged the difficulties of being shorthanded due to minor injuries and a Cade Cowell suspension, Varas assured that his
team’s flexibility and fitness would compensate for personnel losses.

As with any press event after the release of a roster, quite a few questions about specific players came next. New England’s Noel Buck appeared to be the glaring omission of seemingly available players for the tournament. Varas assured that the federation loves Buck’s play, but his unknown availability for release hurt his case. On the opposing side, San Jose’s Niko Tsakiris was a surprise addition to the roster. Varas clarified that his prompt return from injury granted him a spot after an internal debate. Of note to Philadelphia Union supporters is the praise received by midfielder Jack McGlynn, who joined the side in Argentina this past week. McGlynn’s adaptability to a style so different from that of the Union caught Mikey Varas by a bit of a surprise, and has continued to earn the midfielder minutes.

On a broader scale, Varas insisted that all 21 players on the roster could start and excel at this tournament, although minutes must be earned. Furthermore, he stated that players always get the final say on what roles they will be asked to fill for the team. Varas then declared that the United States are in Argentina to win the tournament, but the primary focus now is getting out of
the group. Finally, the manager stated his appreciation for the opportunity and insisted that his players would not take the chance to represent their country for granted.

After a short delay, New York Red Bulls midfielder Daniel Edelman took the stand for several questions. Edelman first praised his club for adequately preparing him for this stage. Also of note to Union fans was a comment about Paxten Aaronson’s presence being missed, followed by Edelman assuring that “we are super confident with the group that we have, and we can get
the job done.” The New Jersey native insisted that it “is an incredible honor” to wear the armband for his country on this stage and thanked everyone who helped get him here. Daniel ended the press conference by repeating that the squad is confident ahead of the tournament and ultimately stated that “the vibes are great” among the team.

Watch the US U-20 National Team defend this confidence starting tomorrow at 2 p.m. EST on Fox Soccer Plus as they take on Ecuador.