Christmas came early for US Soccer, when teenager Sergino Dest announced that he would commit his international career to the United States.
The 18-year-old defender, who plays for Dutch pro giant Ajax, was also eligible to play internationally with the Netherlands. Dest has represented the U.S. at the 2017 Under-17 World Cup and 2019 Under-20 World Cup.
Dest was born in the Netherlands to a Dutch mother and Surinamese-American father from Brooklyn and joined Ajax’s academy program when he was 12. He recently has started at right back for the senior Ajax squad.
Dest met with USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter recently in Amsterdam following the Ajax-Chelsea UEFA Champions League match. Four days later he committed to playing for the USA.
Dest was first offered an international callup by the U.S., and that was a primary factor in his decision. Had he chosen the Netherlands, he would have had a chance to play for a major European national team. But selection was not guaranteed by the Dutch coaches.
“Of course, it was a tough decision for me when the Dutch men’s national team showed their interest,” Dest said, “but I have built up a very good feeling with Team USA over the last couple of years and I strongly believe in the plans and potential of U.S. Soccer.”
He recently played for the U.S against Mexico and Uruguay. He played in senior friendlies with the U.S. earlier in September against Mexico and Uruguay, but did not play in the Concacaf Nations League in October against Cuba and Canada.
“We are thrilled to have Sergino commit to our program,” Berhalter said. “He is an exceptional young player with a bright future.”