Nelson Valdez

Seattle Sounders forward Nelson Valdez selected to Paraguay's roster for Copa America Centenario

Seattle Sounders forward Nelson Valdez has been named to Paraguay’s 23-man roster for this summer’s historic Copa America Centenario, giving the veteran striker a chance to play in his fourth incarnation of one of the world’s most prestigious soccer tournaments.


The Paraguayan Football Federation revealed the roster on Monday.

Valdez, 32, has appeared for Paraguay in Copa America three times before, most recently in 2015. He scored one goal in five appearances for La Albirroja in Chile last year en route to Paraguay’s fourth-place finish.


Valdez also appeared in Copa America in 2011 in Argentina and in 2004 in Peru.


Paraguay will compete this summer in Group A along with the United States, Colombia and Costa Rica. Paraguay will face the U.S. on June 11 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.


Sounders head coach Sigi Schmid said earlier this month that he expects players selected by their countries for the Copa America Centenario to miss at least two games with the club – May 28 at New England and June 1 at D.C. United.

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