Banks and Downs in 60-Man Roster

Duo Based in Germany Named to Nations League Preliminary Roster

Promising dual-nationals Noahkai Banks and Damion Downs have been named to the U.S. men's national team's 60-man preliminary roster for the upcoming CONCACAF Nations League Finals. Both players have yet to receive a senior USMNT call-up.

The 18-year-old Banks has rapidly established himself as one of the most promising center backs in the American pipeline. After making his senior debut with Augsburg last month, the Hawaii-born defender started five consecutive Bundesliga matches before being an unused substitute in their previous two outings. His emergence has attracted significant interest, with reports indicating that Augsburg recently rejected a high seven-figure bid from a top-five Serie A club, considering Banks key to their future plans.

While Banks is eligible for Germany, appearing for the USMNT in the Nations League would require a three-year waiting period and a one-time switch to represent the European nation in the future. Banks will look to strengthen his case for selection this weekend when Augsburg, currently sitting 11th in the Bundesliga and riding a seven-game unbeaten streak, host fourth-placed Freiburg on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Damion Downs has enjoyed a breakout season with FC Koln in the 2. Bundesliga. The 20-year-old striker, who most recently represented Germany's U-20 side last fall, has kept Koln near the top of the table. Downs demonstrated his opportunistic finishing ability earlier this month, capitalizing on a Schalke defensive error to score the lone goal in a crucial 1-0 victory.

Downs will lead Koln's attack against Karlsruher this weekend. The Billy Goats are looking to rebound from a 1-1 draw against Fortuna Dusseldorf. Despite that recent setback, Koln remains favored to secure all three points as they pursue promotion back to the Bundesliga.