The morning after the decision had been made, and the final 20 players for the U.S. Men’s U20 National Team squad had been selected for the 2017 CONCACAF U20 Championship, which kicks off on Friday in Costa Rica, former OKC Energy FC midfielder Coy Craft reflected on what the process that began in 2015 had been like.

“It’s cool to see how the team has changed over the years, and it’s cool to even be with some of the guys that you’ve been with for three to four years, but now there’s guys that you haven’t heard of for this entire time, and they make the team,” Craft said. “It’s kinda that cutthroat point where it’s all about performance.”

A Homegrown signing by FC Dallas in 2014, Craft’s first call-up to the U20s came in October of 2015 for the Four Nations Cup tournament in Germany. Of that squad, only six are on the plane to Costa Rica. That’s an indication of the diverse factors that have shaped Head Coach Tab Ramos’ squad, with availability, form, even players making a quicker jump from the U.S. U17s than was expected all playing a part in the process.

Still, with the business of qualifying for a World Cup at hand, the nature of the past three months – which saw numerous camps and a trip to Costa Rica as part of the final preparation – has been one that should have the side ready for what’s ahead.

“It’s interesting, because you’re all friends, but at the same time you’re all working for those 20 spots,” Craft said. “It’s unique, especially being together for so long. It’s hard to be together for months at a time, especially against guys who you’re competing against for the same spot. It is interesting, I’ve never really been part of something like this quite yet, but it’s been awesome, and I think we have a really good group of guys.”

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Craft’s willingness to put his head down and work was one of the traits that OKC Energy FC Head Coach Jimmy Nielsen noticed when the 19-year-old joined his squad a year ago on loan from its MLS partner, Dallas. Then there was the talent, which saw him contribute regularly in his 11 games for the side, including a spectacular goal against Saint Louis FC in OKC’s second home game of the season, and be named the No. 11 player in the 2016 USL 20 Under 20.

“There was no big-time attitude,” said Nielsen. “From the first day he fit into the group. Fantastic personality, good hunger on the field worked extremely hard day-in and day-out, and I honestly thought when he was here, he was a difference-maker. Extremely talented player for his age, and in my opinion one of the best American players.”

Craft, who was coming back from injury when he joined Energy FC, definitely appreciated the opportunity the club gave him, and the platform to get his game back in the groove.

“I love Jimmy, he’s a great guy, he’s hilarious,” said Craft. “They treated me really well and took me on and treated me like family, so I really appreciate him and the organization.”

Craft is hoping to take that experience with Energy FC and translate it into success on the international stage. One of eight players with USL experience in the squad, last season he competed against U20s teammate Danny Acosta when OKC hosted Real Monarchs SLC, Craft said a stage like the CONCACAF U20 Championship will offer him and his teammates the chance to make a career-changing impression.

“Getting those minutes in the USL as well as things highlighted like this where people have breakout seasons, that can be huge for all of us,” Craft said. “Not only to have those minutes last year but to go to Costa Rica and perform well, it can be a turning point in a career. As soon as you play one good game, that can change things for you.”

Nielsen believes the style Craft brings to the field sets him up to be dangerous wherever his starting point.

“He’s extremely direct in his style,” said Nielsen. “He can go inside, he can go outside defenders. He’s got a decent nose for goal. One thing he probably needs to improve a little bit, to take it to the next level, is on the assists part. Sometimes he can be a little selfish, which is sometimes good, but sometimes he’s got to look up and see if there are players in a better position than himself.

“Can he improve that part of the game? I think he can. He’s going to be very successful in MLS.”

With the drive he brings, whichever team he’s suiting up for, the anticipation of helping the U.S. succeed is front and center.

“This is something that you dream about, especially for the guys that have been on the younger national teams as well,” said Craft. “This is what you’ve worked years for, now it’s … right around the corner. It’s exciting, for sure.”