U.S. Under-20 Women’s National Team head coach Steve Swanson announced the 20-member U-20 World Cup Qualifying roster this week, with Illinois sophomore Vanessa DiBernardo (Naperville, Ill./Waubonsie Valley) named one of the six midfielders on the squad. In addition, Illinois head coach Janet Rayfield will join Swanson’s staff as an assistant coach for the duration of qualifying play in Panama, from March 1-11.

“I have been given a great opportunity in being able to train and play with the U-20 Women's National Team, and I am excited and looking forward to going to Panama to participate in the World Cup Qualifiers,” said DiBernardo.

DiBernardo is making her fourth appearance with the U-20 team since joining the Illini, which includes competing with the squad in Spain at the Four Nations Tournament in addition to training with the U-20 program in June, 2011 and January, 2012. DiBernardo also participated in training with the U.S. U-23 National Team on two occasions, traveling to California during the spring and summer of 2011.

Rayfield is a veteran member of the U.S. National Team staff, most recently assisting the senior women’s program at the 2011 Women’s World Cup, held in Germany. Rayfield also assisted the national team at the 2011 Algarve Cup in Portugal and during various friendly matches in 2008 and 2009.

"The opportunity to compete for a World Championship, similar to the Olympics, is a unique and sought after one for any athlete,” Rayfield said. “I am excited for Vanessa as she steps into a new challenge. I am also pleased to be a part of the staff. The knowledge and experience that comes from international competition for Vanessa and myself will impact this program from top to bottom. We are fortunate to have a deep team, a competent staff and a supportive athletic department that not only permits us to do this but celebrates this accomplishment and opportunity with us." 

The U.S. opens Group B action against Guatemala at 4 p.m. CT on Friday, March 2, before facing Cuba at 4 p.m. CT on Sunday, March 4. Team USA finishes groupstage play against host-Panama at 6:30 p.m. CT on Tuesday, March 6. The winner of Group B will face the runner-up from Group A, while the second-place finisher from Group B challenges the top squad from Group A on Friday, March 9. The title contest will be held on Sunday, March 11 at 8 p.m. CT, while the top three finishing teams from qualifying play earn a spot in the 2012 U-20 Women’s World Cup, held in Japan.