Neil Pierre, 18, could be the USMNT answer to a longstanding problem

Eighteen-year-old Philadelphia Union center back Neil Pierre has received his first call-up to the United States men's national team under manager Mauricio Pochettino. The 6-foot-6 ½ defender joined the two-week, four-game camp held at U.S. Soccer's training center outside Atlanta in Fayetteville, Georgia.

Pierre signed a first-team deal with Philadelphia 18 months ago before spending a successful loan stint at Danish side Lyngby earlier this year. Since returning to MLS, he has become a regular starter and scored four goals for the unbeaten Union following the league's World Cup hiatus.