Andres Perea made the right move to switch from Colombia to USMNT
Head coach Gregg Berhalter has done well to recruit players with USMNT eligibility, aiding the excitement that has been building for the future. A few weeks into 2021 and his efforts have paid off once again.
Orlando City SC midfielder Andres Perea was added to the USMNT Training Camp roster ahead of the friendly against El Salvador in December but was unable to compete. At 20 years old, the Atletico Nacional product was tied to Colombia. No longer will that be an issue for Perea.
Born in Tampa, Florida, in 2000, Perea moved to Colombia at the age of five and has represented the country at U-17 and U-20 levels. Now, add the holding midfielder to the USMNT. Approved for a one-time switch by FIFA on January 12th, Perea has been added to the U-23 training camp as he begins his acclimation with a new team.
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Perea gave some insight on his decision as reported by Pardeep Cattry of MLSSoccer.com
"“Seeing such a young generation motivates me,” Perea said. “It’s a generation that is playing well in Europe, and that motivates you knowing that you can be part of this process. It influences you a lot because they’re young players who have a lot of aspirations.”"
He now joins the ranks of fellow MLS peers such as Portland Timbers Eryk Willamson, San Jose Earthquakes Jackson Yueill, FC Dallas’ Tanner Tessmann, and Hassani Dotson of Minnesota United at the U-23 level.
Perea will hope to get his name alongside the Weston McKennie’s and Tyler Adam’s of the senior team before long. With the Colombian-American committed, USMNT supporters will be hoping for a certain English-American next.