Freshman André Akpan received maybe one of the most exciting presents before the gift-giving season has even begun.

Yesterday, the standout on the Harvard men’s soccer team was called into the United States Under 20 men’s national training camp, which will take place between Dec. 12 and 20 at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. It is the prelude to the American team competing in the 2007 CONCACAF Qualifying Tournament.

Akpan, however, has not yet made the United States U-20 squad, as the group of 26 players will be cut to 20 by head coach Thomas Rongen after the camp. The squad assembled will then compete from Jan. 17-21 at the qualifying tournament in Panama City, Panama.

His own play this year merits Akpan’s inclusion with this elite unit of the best college and professional American players under the age of 20. Akpan, the Ivy League Player of the Year, led the Ivy Leagues this past season in scoring with his 11 goals and 12 assists.

—THE CRIMSON STAFF