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Here is a picture of Red Bulls central defender Andrew Jean-Baptiste.

Soccer Player Andrew Jean-Baptiste gets call from Haiti National Team

Haitian-American Andrew Jean-Baptiste has yet to play a single game as central defender for the Red Bulls in New York. In his fourth year in Major League Soccer (MLS), he hasn't been a starter. Standing in his way are two seasoned central defenders, Damien Perrinelle and Ronald Zubar. But a big break is coming his way. Haiti National Team (HNT) is competing for the CONCACAF Gold Cup, and they have called Jean-Baptiste to be on the provisional roster.

At age 22, he can still play on youth national teams, but the camps haven't called him up. They showed interest in the young player, but because he lacked a passport he lost out on that opportunity. HNT has been patient in waiting for his birth certificate, finally found eight months ago in Haiti. But there is still the issue of his passport, yet to be processed. He says it is not problem, the national team will accept him. Once that happens, the passport will be on a fast track to get to him as soon as possible.

Jean-Baptiste is excited about joining the HNT. Ever since the end of his rookie year he has wanted to be with HNT. He understands that "Haiti would be a good opportunity for me, it'd open up a lot more doors . . ." He is talking about getting on the playing field and clocking more minutes. He says it will bring him international opportunities.

Read more about soccer, haitian soccer, Andrew Jean-Baptiste, Soccer in Haiti

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