Roberto Hategan Called Up to U.S. Youth National Team

The young midfielder, Roberto Hategan, has been called up to represent the United States in this year’s Vaclav Jezek Youth Tournament in the Czech Republic. The U.S. have won the tournament the past two times it has been contested, in 2014 and 2016. And, the roster is comprised of 21 players, coached by Tab Ramos, each of them with varying degrees of international experience.

As for Hategan, this is not the first time he has been called up. He represented the U.S. at the U14 and U16 levels while he was in the Republic Academy. And, has taken part in the U18 level, most recently this past January for the U.S. Soccer Youth Summit.

It is good to see the midfielder get some playing time outside of Sacramento. The depth in the Republic midfield is stacked with creative talent up and down the roster. However, in the few appearances we have seen Hategan on the field, there have been glimpses of potential.

For the midfielder to get some time on the field will only prove beneficial for himself and the Republic. It is worth noting that Hategan is listed as one of the six forwards on the roster. So, it will be interesting to watch if Ramos intends to use Hategan outside of the typical midfielder role we are used to seeing him in. If this were to occur, Hategan may become a more versatile player, being able to play in more positions in the offensive half.

And, this is a step forward for the Republic Academy as the first ever signing from the academy continues to make appearances on the international stage.

The U.S. will face their first opponents, United Arab Emirates, on August 21. Then they’re playing the next day against Bulgaria. After that, they have a break before playing the Czech Republic on August 24. The final group game on August 25 will be played against an unnamed opponent, from the group comprised of Japan, Hungary, Slovakia, and Ukraine.

Hategan will be staying with the national team for the entirety of the U.S.’ run in the tournament, through August 26.