May 23, 2012

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Liam Collins, Wil Linder and Chandler Gagnon have earned roster spots on amateur teams associated with teams in the MLS. Collins and Linder were named to DC United's U-23 team on Tuesday and Gagnon has made Columbus Crew's U-20 squad.

The DC United U-23s, comprised of 29 full-time players, are coached by former MLS standout Jaime Moreno. The team will play an eight-match schedule from late May to early July. Columbus Crew U-20s are coached by Brian Bliss.

Collins, a 2011 All-Conference USA First Team selection as a midfielder, was fourth in the country in assists (11) and assists per game (.61), both of which led the team and C-USA. Linder and Gagnon were both named to the C-USA All-Freshman team. Linder scored three goals and posted four assists from his midfield position, while Gagnon notched a pair of goals and an assist from his position on the back line.

Collins, Linder and Gagnon join Mark Sherrod, who is playing for the Portland Timbers U-23s, as Tigers playing on amateur teams sponsored by MLS clubs. Sherrod has already seen action in a pair of games in the Professional Development League for Portland and has posted five goals, including a hat trick against Victoria. Sherrod is tied for the PDL lead in both points (10) and goals (5).