SECAUCUS, NJ -- U.S. Men’s National Team head coach Bob Bradley announced today that New York Red Bulls forward Jozy Altidore is part of the 17-man initial roster that will travel to face South Africa in Johannesburg on November 17 at 9 AM ET (TV: Fox Soccer Channel, Galavision). The complete roster will be finalized following this weekend’s matches and players will report to camp on November 12 in Johannesburg.

This is the first time that the 18-year-old has been called up to the senior side. In his first full season with the Red Bulls, Altidore followed up an impressive 2006 campaign, which saw him find the back of the net in four of nine games, with nine goals and four assists. His nine goals were good for second on the Red Bulls and eighth in Major League Soccer. The Boca Raton, Fla., native featured in 22 games (15 starts) and was in the Starting 11 for both of the Red Bulls’ playoff matches against the New England Revolution.

"Playing for the U.S. National Team has always been a goal of mine," Altidore said. "I’m thrilled about this opportunity and I hope that I can use this experience to help further my growth as a player."

On the international stage, Altidore has competed at the U.S. U-17 and U-20 levels. Over the summer, Altidore took part in the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada, playing a key role in the team’s run to the quarterfinals. Altidore scored four goals in five matches, including a pair to defeat Brazil, 2-1, in the group stage.

USA ROSTER (Nov. 17 vs. South Africa)

GOALKEEPERS
Brad Guzan (Chivas USA), Tim Howard (Everton FC/ENG)

DEFENDERS
Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham/ENG), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96/GER), Dan Califf (Aalborg/DEN), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard Liege/BEL), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock/GER) Jonathan Spector (Derby/ENG)

MIDFIELDERS
Freddy Adu (Benfica/POR), DaMarcus Beasley (Glasgow Rangers/SCO), Michael Bradley (Heerenveen/NED), Maurice Edu (Toronto FC), Benny Feilhaber (Derby County/ENG), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA).

FORWARDS
Josmer Altidore (New York Red Bulls), Clint Dempsey (Fulham/ENG), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy)