One of the most exciting young players to be developed in the U.S. youth system is 18-year-old Californian Michael Hoyos, who is playing for 2009 Libertadores Cup champion Estudiantes.

Hoyos, who was born to Argentine parents, returned to Argentina along with brother Michael to enter Estudiantes' youth program three years ago and is a regular for the first team. He was selected for a recent Argentina U-20 camp and was invited to play for the U.S. U-20s at the Dallas Cup but could not attend. U.S. coach Thomas Rongen says Hoyos was excited about the prospect of going to the Dallas Cup but Estudiantes would not release him.

Rongen remains optimistic that Hoyos will play for the USA. "We feel that a player like Michael, who has spent a lot of years in this country, has some alliances and feelings about representing this country," said Rongen. "That's important. We want players that want to represent the country and are proud of doing that. And Michael sounded like the player and person that wants to be involved, and that's a positive first step."