CHICAGO (May 14, 2007) – The U.S. Paralympic Soccer Team will travel to Zeist, Netherlands on May 14 to participate in the 2007 CP International Tournament at the KNVB National Training Center. The U.S., currently ranked seventh in the world, will be joined by Russia, Brazil, Iran, England and the hosts in the tournament, representing six of the world’s top eight teams.

The round robin tournament will serve as a warm-up for both the ParaPanAmerican Games, which will take place in August in Rio de Janeiro, and the World Championship in November. Both events present opportunities to qualify for the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing.

Head Coach Jay Hoffman has announced the 12 players who will be competing in the Netherlands, including three players, Chris Ahrens, Louis Garrett and Eric Poulin, making their international roster debut.

Paralympic soccer is played seven-a-side on a smaller field and with smaller goals than non-disabled soccer. Each team plays with seven men using the International Federation of Associated Football (FIFA) rules which have been slightly modified to accommodate the disabilities of the athletes.

Paralympic Roster by Position
GOALKEEPERS (1): Keith Johnson
DEFENDERS (4): Derek Arneaud, Louis Garrett Jon McCoullough, Dave Woosnam
MIDFIELDERS (5): Tom Latsch, Josh McKinney, Eric Poulin, Shaun Schetka, Jason Slemons
FORWARDS (2): Chris Ahrens, Marthell Vazquez
Head Coach: Jay Hoffman