Jerren Nixon representing Trinidad & Tobago in U-17 World Cup qualification

The United States Under-17 team roster for CONCACAF World Cup qualification in Honduras didn't include any Philadelphia Union Academy players, but the Trinidad & Tobago roster does include U-16 team forward Jerren "J.J." Nixon.

The son of former Trinidad & Tobago striker Jerren Nixon, Nixon recently scored the game-winner in the U-16 team's win over DC United in the second leg of the Generation Adidas Cup East regionals. The Union advanced to the finals of that tournament in Dallas in April.

Nixon, who turns 17 next month, has made six appearances (four starts) and scored three goals in his first season with the Union Academy. He played in Lilburn, Georgia with Gwinnett Soccer Association before joining the Academy and was born in Zurich, Switzerland when his dad was playing for FC Zürich.

The elder Nixon made 38 appearances for the Trinidad & Tobago senior team from 1993 to 2004, scoring 11 goals.

Trinidad & Tobago will open play in CONCACAF World Cup qualifying against Guatemala in San Pedro Sula on February 27 and play the U.S. on March 2, Honduras on March 5, Jamaica March 8 and Cuba March 11 in Group A play. Group B includes Canada, Haiti, Panama, Mexico, St. Lucia and Costa Rica.

Four teams from the tournament will qualify for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Chile. The top team from each group automatically qualifies and the second and third teams will go into a playoff to determine the other two qualifiers.