New York Red Bulls Academy prospect and the youngest American to ever play in USL, Chris Gloster, is set to continue his association with USA U-17 Men's National Team. Per Top Drawer Soccer, the player was named to the U-17 MNT roster for the upcoming Nike International Friendlies, which will see the young Yanks play Portugal, Turkey, and Brazil between November 30 and December 4.

The squad also includes Timothy Weah, son of the legendary George, currently with Paris Saint-Germain's youth set-up, and briefly also part of RBNY's Academy.

The U-17s have spent most of the last three months playing CONCACAF opponents, with considerable success. The Nike International Friendlies provide opportunity for the squad to test itself against opposition from beyond the region, foreshadowing the team's ambition of playing in next October's U-17 World Cup.

The CONCACAF qualifying tournament for the U-17 World Cup will be held in April, so this is by no means the final preparation for the competitive games that lie ahead. But the Nike Friendlies are an important opportunity for young players to impress scouts from the world's major clubs. For example, RBNY Academy alum Matt Olosunde had a strong performance at the 2014 edition of the Nike Friendlies, which was credited with bringing him to the attention of his current club, Manchester United.