Former Timber named to U.S. U-23 National Team

PORTLAND, Ore. – It was announced earlier this week by U.S. Soccer that former Timbers forward Bryan Jordan was named to the U.S. U-23 National Team by head coach Peter Nowak for the upcoming Toulon International Tournament in Toulon, France.

 

Jordan, 22, was one of four forwards selected by Nowak for his 22-man roster. The Toulon Tournament marks Jordan’s first tour of duty with the national team. He is one of just 11 players from Major League Soccer on the squad.

 

“This tournament will give us an opportunity to have a look at some players we’ve had in previous camps and look at the new faces,” said Nowak. “We don’t want to be short-sighted with our selection for the Olympics. We want a whole picture that includes a variety of players, and to make sure we see every option before we make final choices.”

 

The U.S. U-23s are scheduled to arrive in France on Thursday, and will meet Turkey in the opening match of group play on May 21. The remaining matches on the U.S.’s group schedule include the Ivory Coast on May 23 and Italy on May 25. All three matches will be televised on Fox Soccer Channel.

 

Jordan, along with goalkeeper Josh Wicks, was transferred from the Timbers to the Los Angeles Galaxy of MLS on March 25. He has made just one appearance with the first team this season. In Reserve Division matches for the Galaxy, Jordan has scored three goals in four games.

 

In his rookie season with the Timbers in 2007, the Temple City, Calif., native, played in 26 games and tallied five goals and one assist to rank among team leaders in scoring. He was a two-time USL First Division Team of the Week selection last season.

 

The invitational tournament in Toulon, France provides many countries some of their final tune up matches before they head to the 2008 Olympic games in China. The U.S. U-23 Men’s National Team has already booked its flight to China and will be participating in its 13th Olympics this summer.

2008 marks the eighth appearance by the U.S. in the Toulon International Tournament, and first since 2001. The U.S. won the tournament's fair play award in 1994, 1997 and in 2001.

Click here for the announcement and complete U-23 roster for the Toulon International Tournament.