The time for the U.S. Olympic Men's team to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics is upon us. Their rivals in the search for the final ticket to Brasil have already announced their roster.
Colombia released their U-23 squad today for the upcoming 2016 Rio Olympics playoff against the U.S. U-23 national team. The first leg of the qualifier will be on March 25 in Barranquilla, Colombia, with the second match hosted on March 29 at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.
Colombia last played in the Olympics in 1992, and have never advanced past the initial stage. However, with talented players like midfielder Juan Fernando Quintero (Rennes - on loan from Porto) and centre-back Jherson Vergara (Livorno - on loan from AC Milan) they will be looking to return to the Olympic soccer tournament this summer.
Full Roster
GOALKEEPERS (3): Cristian Bonilla (Atletico Nacional - COL), Alvaro Montero (San Lorenzo - ARG), Luis Hurtado (Deportivo Cali - COL)
DEFENDERS (9): Cristian Borja (Santa Fe - COL), Yerry Mina (Santa Fe - COL), Jaine Barreiro (Santa Fe - COL), Luis Orejuela (Deportivo Cal - COL), Deiver Machado (Millonarios - COL), Felipe Aguilar (Atletico Nacional - COL), Davinson Sanchez (Atletico Nacional - COL), Helibelton Palacios (Deportivo Cali - COL), Jherson Vergara (Livorno - ITA)
MIDFIELDERS (8): Juan Pablo Nieto (Atletico Nacional - COL), Juan Fernando Quintero (Rennes - FRA), Yony Gonzalez (Junior - COL), Raul Loaiza (Patriotas - COL), Jose Leudo (Deportivo Pasto - COL), Wilmar Barrios (Deportes Tolima - COL), Andres Felipe Roa (Deportivo Cali - COL), Jarlan Barrera (Junior - COL)
FORWARDS (5): Roger Martinez (Racing Club - ARG), Cristian Dajome (Deportes Tolima - COL), Harold Preciado (Deportivo Cali - COL), Rafael Santos Borre (Deportivo Cal - COL), Andres Renteria (Santos Laguna - MEX)