Two Lehigh Valley soccer products are spending the next few weeks in Chile as members of the United States Under-17 Men’s National Team competing at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Bethlehem’s Kevin Silva and Macungie’s Danny Barbir are both apart of the 21-man roster, which opened up group play on October 17 against Nigeria during a 2-0 loss.

The U.S. side is in Group A of the tournament, along with tournament hosts Chile, Croatia and Nigeria.

The team took on Croatia yesterday [past Press deadlines] and close out group play on October 23 against Chile.

Silva, a goalkeeper, who played his club soccer for New Jersey’s PDA (Players Development Academy), has since moved on to US Soccer’s residency program in Bradenton, Fla., where his graduation year is slated for 2016. Silva will then decide if he wants to attend college or pursue a professional contract. He has already verbally committed to play for collegiate power UCLA.

Barbir, who grew up in Macungie, signed a professional contract with English club West Bromwich Albion last spring, since leaving Allentown in 2014.

Barbir is a regular on the U.S. defense and played with Silva at Lehigh Valley United before both moved on to higher level clubs.

Silva’s father, Victor, isn’t going to make the trip to Chile, but is proud of what his son has been able to achieve.

“He’s one of the best goalies in the country at U-17,” Silva said. “It’s an honor to represent your country and I’m very proud of what Kevin’s accomplished. Players dream of being in this position and he’s out there doing it.”

Neither Silva or Barbir played in Saturday’s first group stage contest, but the experience of participating in their first World Cup is something that they hope will be the first of more to come.

“Obviously, this is like a dream to any young footballer who is trying to make a career in the sport,” said Barbir from Chile. “My family is actually coming down to see me and I know they’re very proud of what I’ve accomplished. Everything I do is for them.”

Matches for the tournament can be seen on Fox Sports 2, as the U.S. are competing in one of the most difficult groups in the tournament.

Despite playing in one of the toughest groups, Barbir is still confident about his team’s chances.

“If everybody does their job, we can go far,” he said. “Obviously, the main goal is to win the World Cup.”