FILE - In this Jan. 9, 2014, file photo, Bayern Munich's Julian Green, right, of Munich, and Balla Jabir, of Al-Merrikh, challenge for the ball, during their friendly soccer match, at Al-Saad stadium in Doha. Green has joined the U.S. soccer team, a glistening talent still developing, a youngster who grew up in Germany with regular trips to see his father in Florida. He will make his debut for the United States against Mexico on Wednesday, April 2. (AP Photo/Osama Faisal, File) (The Associated Press)
GLENDALE, Ariz. – Julian Green is a German-American lured to Team USA by its German coach.
A glistening young talent with speed and skill, the 18-year-old forward was granted a FIFA waiver last week to switch associations from Germany to the United States. He will make his debut with the U.S. men's team Wednesday night in a friendly against Mexico.
Green was born in Florida but grew up mainly in Germany, making regular trips to Tampa to see his father.
An avid hockey player until he chose soccer at about age 12, he plays for Bayern Munich, the club where U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann was once a star player and for a short time the coach.
Green's father, Jerry, says Klinsmann is a big reason his son switched to the U.S. squad.
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