• Official U.S. Soccer announcement: http://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2016/04/15/16/06/160415-u19mnt-to-compete-in-group-b-at-2016-slovakia-cup
• Sacramento Republic FC announcement: http://www.sacrepublicfc.com/news/2016/04/15/srfc-academy-defender-called-to-us-u19-team

DAVIS, Calif. -- Before he dons UC Davis blue and gold, incoming freshman defender Nabi Kibunguchy will represent the Red, White, and Blue, as one of 20 players earning a call-up to the United States U-19 Men's National Team at the upcoming Slovakia Cup it was announced on April 15.

Under the direction of Head Coach Brad Friedel, the United States opens play on Monday, April 25, when they take on Georgia in Modranka, Ukraine. The U-19 squad will also take on the Ukraine (April 26) and host Slovakia (April 28) in Group B of the tournament, with the winner of the group playing for the championship on April 29.

Russia, the Czech Republic, Norway, and FRY Macedonia, will compete in Group A.

Kibunguchy, who signed a National Letter of Intent with UC Davis back in February, is a senior at Cosumnes Oaks High School and has been a key member of the Sacramento Republic FC's U-17/18 Academy squad that currently sites in second place in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy's Northwest Division with 50 points (15-5-5 overall).

"We saw Nabi's ability during the last few months," said Republic FC Head Coach and Technical Director Paul Buckle in a statement released by the club. "He has come on leaps and bounds, so much so we had him involved with our first team, including our preseason friendlies. No surprise that he has taken a step in the right direction. It is a proud moment for his family and the club and a tremendous opportunity to show how good of a player he truly is."

The Elk Grove, Calif., native has appeared in 23 of the Academy's 25 matches, including 22 starts on the back line, scoring a goal in his side's 4-2 victory over the Santa Cruz Breakers Academy on Sept. 26. Kibunguchy helped lead Cosumnes Oaks HS to the 2013 CIF Sac-Joaquin Section title (as well as a runner-up appearance in 2014), was a two-time All-Capital Valley Conference selection, and a two-time scholar-athlete honoree.

U.S. U-19 MEN'S SOCCER NATIONAL TEAM ROSTER BY POSITION
Slovakia Cup -- April 20-29, 2016

Goalkeepers: Benn Diaz (Queretaro), Ben Hale (FC Dallas)
Defenders: Nabilai Kibunguchy (Sacramento Republic FC), Hugo Arellano (LA Galaxy), Danny Barbir (West Bromwich Albion), Marlon Fossey (Fullham FC), Hector Montalvo (FC Dallas), Alexis Velela (New York Cosmos)
Midfielders: Eric Calvillo (New York Cosmos), Pierre Da Silva (Orlando City SC), Luca De La Torre (Fulham FC), Sebastien Des Pres (RSL Arizona), Ander Egiluz (Athletic Bilbao), Nelson Hunsinger (Leg A-Z), Weston McKinnie (FC Dallas)
Forwards: Colby Agu (Capital Area Railhawks), Ernesto Espinoza (Club Tijuana), Joe Gallardo (Unattached), Brandon Vazquez (Club Tijuanna), Isaiah Young (PDA)