Aron Johnannsson asks for switch from Iceland to U.S.

CHICAGO (AP) -- The U.S. Soccer Federation says forward Aron Johannsson wants to switch national team programs from Iceland to the United States.

The USSF submitted an application for Johannsson on Tuesday to FIFA, soccer's governing body. FIFA approves applications for switches if all the requirements for the submission are met.

Johannsson, a 22-year-old Mobile, Ala., native, grew up in Iceland and scored one goal in 11 appearances for Iceland's under-21 team. He appeared in eight qualifiers for the 2012 UEFA Under-21 Championship, which meant he can't switch affiliations without FIFA's approval.

"We are excited that Aron has chosen to pursue his international career with the United States," U.S. national team coach Jurgen Klinsmann said. "He is a great young talent with a bright future, and we look forward to introducing him to our team as soon as possible."

Johannsson played for Fjolnir in Iceland from 2008-10, and then moved to Aarhus in Belgium. He joined AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands in January, becoming a teammate of American forward Jozy Altidore, who transferred to England's Sunderland this summer.

The USSF expects Johannsson will train with the national team ahead of its Aug. 14 exhibition against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Sarajevo.

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