Houston Dynamo standouts Stuart Holden and Patrick Ianni were named to the United States Olympic soccer team, U.S. Soccer announced Thursday.
The duo was named to the 18-man roster that will represent the United States in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China. The squad consists of U-23 players and three over-age players selected by head coach Peter Nowak. The United States will face Japan, the Netherlands, and Nigeria in Group B action August 7-13.
Holden, who will turn 23 on August 1, is in his third year with the Dynamo and has been a regular each of the last two years. The midfielder has scored nine goals in all competitions with Houston, including six last year, and was a regular for the U-23 team that qualified for the Olympics in March.
"It is a huge honor to be going to the Olympics and representing the United States," Holden said. "I don't want to be happy with just getting to the Olympics; I want to get there and compete and win a medal."
Ianni, 23, is also in his third year with Houston and has made regular contributions to the Dynamo back line in each of the last two seasons. The defender also competed for the United States qualifying squad in March.
"I'm very excited, and it's an honor to be a part of this great group of guys," Ianni said. "Playing at the Olympics will be a very high level of competition. It's an honor to be able to represent your country and, of course, the Dynamo."
Both players will be available to the media after the Dynamo's Friday practice, which concludes at 11:00 a.m. at Carl Lewis Track & Field Complex.
The United States will begin its training camp in Stanford, Calif., on July 20. Holden and Ianni will remain with the Dynamo for their July 22 game against D.C. United, then join the U.S. squad in preparation for the Olympics.
