USF's Hidalgo Selected to Play for U.S. National Team in Copa Chivas Youth Tournament

Rodrigo Hidalgo

USF men’s soccer player Rodrigo Hidalgo was selected to play with the United States Under 18 National Team in the Copa Chivas Youth Tournament in Guadalajara, Mexico, Jan. 9-Jan. 11.

Hidalgo is no stranger to the U.S. National Team. He came to USF from the U-17 United States Youth National Team residency program in Bradenton, Fla. He currently is a member of the U-18 and U-20 National Teams.

In his first season as a Bull, Hidalgo finished 2004 with a team-high 18 points (6g, 6a) and finished ranked ninth in the conference in points per game (1.12). The Atlantis, Fla., native also finished second on the team in goals (6) and game-winning goals (3).

Hidalgo will join the U.S. National Team at its training facility, The Home Depot Center, in Carson, Calif., on Jan. 5 for a few days of training before heading down to Guadalajara, Mexico, to compete in the Copa Chivas Youth Tournament. Head Coach Bob Jenkins will bring 19 players to the tournament that will include 16 teams, the majority being Mexican club youth teams.

The United States will play three games in three days, kicking off the tournament against Atlas on Jan. 9 before meeting Chivas La Piedad a day later and finishing against Monterrey on Jan. 11. The top two teams from each group advance to the quarterfinals, which will take place on Jan. 13. The semifinals will take place on Jan. 14 and the final and third place match on Jan. 15.