Indiana University Athletics
Sarkodie Invited to U-20 National Team Camp
5/24/2007 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
May 24, 2007
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Defender Ofori Sarkodie has been named to the 16-player roster for the Under-20 Men's National Team's upcoming training camp from May 30 to June 6 in Canada as part of its preparation for the upcoming FIFA Under-20 World Cup. The United States will face Canada twice during the camp, which will provide the United States with a first-hand look at some of the venues it will be playing in during the World Cup.
The United States will start the camp in Montreal, where the team will train for three days and check out The Olympic Stadium, site of the team's first two Group D matches against South Korea (June 30) and Poland (July 3). The team will not train at the stadium, but is planning on getting a tour of the facility. The United States will then travel to Ottawa to face the World Cup hosts on June 3 at Frank Clair Stadium, site of its third and final Group D match against Brazil (July 6). The final stretch of the camp will take place in Kingston, Ontario, where the United States and Canada will play the rematch on June 6 in Richardson Stadium.
Sarkodie is one of 10 players on the roster who were members of the squad that won its CONCACAF Final Round Qualifying Tournament in Panama City, Panama earlier this year.
The 2007 FIFA Under-20 World Cup will be held from June 30 to July 22 in Canada. The United States was drawn into Group D with Korea Republic, Poland and Brazil. After its opener against the Korea Republic, the United States faces Poland on July 3 and concludes group play on July 6 against four-time U-20 world champion Brazil. The United States will play Korea Republic and Poland at The Olympic Stadium in Montreal, before heading to Ottawa to face Brazil at Frank Clair Stadium.
Sarkodie started 13 games in his inaugural campaign for the Hoosiers, and was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team. He helped Indiana to eight shutouts playing center back. The Hoosiers finished the 2006 season with a 15-4-3 record, winning the Big Ten Championship and reaching the third round of the NCAA Tournament.
