Jan. 27, 2003

SUNRISE, Fla. -- Wake Forest's Justin Moose has been added to the Under-20 National Team roster by youth national team coach Thomas Rongen for the team's February trip to Portugal in preparation for the World Youth Championship in March.

In a trial with the U-20 National Team in Sunrise, Fla., during the past two weeks, Moose scored two goals in three games against players participating in the Major League Soccer draft combine. That pool of talent included Wake Forest's Brian Carroll, who was drafted 11th overall by the D.C. United last week. Moose's U-20 National Team finished the combine as the only undefeated team in the four-team group.

The U.S. team lost an exhibition match against Mexico 3-1 on January 23 but Moose assisted on America's lone goal. The Red, White and Blue will travel to Portugal in preparation for the World Youth Championship that takes place in the United Arab Emirates between March 25 and April 16.

In accepting this invitation, Moose has withdrawn from Wake Forest University for the spring semester. Moose will retain all eligibility and rejoin his Demon Deacon teammates in time for the fall season and compete as a sophomore.

Last year as a freshman for the Wake Forest, Moose was named Atlantic Coast Conference Rookie of the Year and second team All-ACC. He played in all 21 games and was the team's fourth-leading scorer with four goals and eight assists.