United States U-20 coach Thomas Rongen may cost the United States another star soccer player.

Rongen did not select Neven Subotic, one of the best young defenders in the Bundesliga, for the U-20 World Cup in 2007.  Subotic, born in Yugoslavia, subsequently changed his international registration to play for Serbia.

Now, a similar situation may occur with youngster Vincenzo Bernardo.  Bernardo, 18, is a New Jersey native and a talented attacking midfielder in Serie A side Napoli’s youth program.

Rongren booted Bernardo and three other players from an U-20 training camp in January.  He then left Bernardo off the squad for the U-20 qualifying tournament in March.

Bernardo has featured for the United States since U-15 level.  He holds dual citizenship with Italy and the United States, though, thus far, has maintained his desire to play for the U.S.  Provided he does not feature for the senior national team, he can switch registrations until he turns 21.

Not to besmirch the progress made by the U.S. Men’s National Team over the past twenty years, but we really are not able to have youth coaches big-timing talented kids with Italian citizenship.

Bernardo Raises Doubt Over USMNT Future (Soccer By Ives)