Philadelphia Union forward Fernando Aristeguieta was named to Venezuela’s preliminary 30-man roster for the upcoming Copa América, the Venezuelan Football Federation announced on Tuesday.
Aristeguieta traveled on Monday to Venezuela to join the team for a 10-day training camp ahead of the expected announcement of the country’s final 23-man Copa América roster on May 23. He will miss the Union’s home match against D.C. United on Sunday (7 pm ET, Fox Sports 1 in the US, MLS Live in Canada) and could be limited for Philadelphia’s match at the New York Red Bulls on May 24.
Aristeguieta joined the Union on loan from FC Nantes in February as a Young Designated Player. The 23-year-old has started nine of Philadelphia’s 11 games this year, leading the team with three goals and 29 shots. He has one goal in 12 career appearances for the Venezuelan national team.
Aristeguieta isn’t the only MLS player to be called to a Copa América preliminary roster. Orlando City captain Kaká was named on Tuesday to Brazil’s 30-man squad, though Seleção head coach Dunga had already announced last week the 23 players he would take to the tournament in Chile.
Following the completion of their 10-day training camp, Venezuela will travel to Argentina on May 23 before facing Bolivia in a pre-Copa América friendly on May 30. Fourth-place finishers at the 2011 tournament, La Vinotinto will begin Copa América play on June 14 against Colombia before taking on Peru and Brazil in Group C play.
South América’s biggest international tournament, Copa América will take place from June 11-July 4. The tournament includes all 10 CONMEBOL nations and two invitees from CONCACAF, Mexico and Jamaica. The winner of the tournament will qualify for the 2017 Confederations Cup in Russia.
