Sunrise, Fla. (August 15, 2008) - Nova Southeastern Men’s Soccer forward Aly Hassan (So., Weston, Fla.), an NSCAA All-South Region selection in 2007, made an appearance for the United States U-20 National Team on Thursday during the squad’s second of two friendlies against Guatemala.
"We’re obviously happy for Aly," stated NSU men’s soccer head coach Giuseppe DePalo. "It’s a reflection of the hard work that he’s put in and how far he’s come as a player. I’ve always felt that he’s one of the more exceptional players in the area and now other people have taken notice. Hopefully, he’ll get another look."
Hassan, who appeared in the final 20 minutes of the 0-0 draw, scored 11 goals and 27 points in his freshman season, on his way to a First Team All-Sunshine State Conference selection.
The Under-20 Men’s National Team competes at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in odd numbered years, and will spend 2008 preparing the next cycle of players. After a successful quarterfinal run at Canada 2007, the team looks toward Egypt in 2009.
This match against Guatemala served as part of their preparations for the 2009 CONCACAF Under-20 World Cup Qualifying Tournament, which will be held in Trinidad & Tobago early next year.
Hassan and the NSU Sharks begin the 2008 campaign on Thursday, August 28 as they travel to Morrow, Ga. to take on Clayton State.