July 19, 2007
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.; July 16, 2007 - Incoming freshman goalkeeper Warren Gross (Greenfield Center, N.Y.) helped the Under-18 U.S. Men's National Team claim a 2-1 victory over Venezuela at the Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Sun., July 15.
Gross registered three saves in the tournament opener, allowing the United States to secure three points and the top spot in the Pool B standings. The only goal he allowed was a late score off a penalty kick.
The U-18 U.S. team continues play at the Pan American games on July 18 when it faces Bolivia. Its final Pool B match-up, versus Mexico, is scheduled for July 21. Bolivia and Mexico played to a 0-0 tie in their first round contest and sit together in second place with one point each.
Physically imposing at 6-3, 200, goalkeeper Warren Gross comes to Happy Valley after a distinguished high school and club career. At Saratoga Springs H.S., Gross earned NSCAA First Team All-Region and All-State honors in 2006. For three consecutive seasons (2004-06), he was named Class AA and Section II Goalkeeper of the Year. In 2006, Gross won the Eastern New York U-18 State Cup championship as a member of the New York Kosmos club team. In 2007, he will challenge three-year starter senior Conrad Taylor (Colorado Springs, Colo.) and sophomore Liam Fitzwater (Schuylkill Haven, Pa.) for playing time.
The Penn State men's soccer team begins preseason play on Mon., Aug. 20 when it hosts Georgetown at Jeffrey Field in an exhibition game set for 7 p.m. The Nittany Lions kick off the 2007 regular season on Fri., Aug. 31 when they face Syracuse in Columbus, Ohio as part of the annual Ohio State Classic.