A former Cavalier could play a pivotal role for the revamped U.S. men�s national soccer team.

Kekuta Manneh, a native of Gambia who attended Lake Travis High School, was among the 32 players who will report to the first U.S. training camp since Bruce Arena replaced Jurgen Klinsmann as coach, as announced by U.S. Soccer Jan. 5. Manneh, a 22-year-old winger who plays for Major League Soccer�s Vancouver Whitecaps, is in the process of completing U.S. citizenship requirements. He lives in Washington State and commutes to Vancouver to ensure that he spends enough time as a U.S. resident to secure citizenship.

The selected players will report to Carson, California, Jan. 10 ahead of exhibitions against Serbia on Jan. 29 at San Diego and Jamaica on Feb. 3 at Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Manneh arrived in the Lake Travis school district in 2010 and graduated from Lake Travis High School in 2013. He initially was to spend a year studying in the U.S. while staying with LaRhonda and Eric Niccum and their family, but tragic family circumstances � Manneh�s mother died when he was 10 � and a promising future in soccer combined with a familial bond with the Niccums led to the couple�s adoption of Manneh.

Supported at his new home and progressing on the pitch, Manneh rapidly developed as an explosive playmaker. He did not play soccer for Lake Travis while competing at the club level.

Manneh earned a spot as a standout striker for the Austin Aztex shortly after high school and was drafted by Vancouver in the 2013 Major League Soccer SuperDraft. He made a quick impact; on Oct. 9, 2013, Manneh became the youngest player in MLS history to record a hat trick � three goals in one game � in a 4-1 victory over the rival Seattle Sounders.

Manneh has continued to progress as a speedy but slightly built winger despite a series of injuries. He had five goals and two assists for the Whitecaps this season before suffering a foot injury in July.

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