CARSON, Calif. -- Kekuta Manneh has become a U.S. citizen, moving the Vancouver Whitecaps forward closer to eligibility for the men's national team.
U.S. Soccer announced Manneh received his citizenship Wednesday, after the opening practice of January training camp under new coach Bruce Arena. Manneh was one of 32 players named in the team for the annual winter camp.
Manneh still must receive a waiver from FIFA to play for the U.S. team, since he was previously called in for Gambia's under-20 team.
The 22-year-old Manneh was born in Gambia and moved to the U.