Philadelphia Union Academy announced today that Theo Reed has been named to the roster for the U-18 Men's National Team roster that will report for January's domestic training camp in Mesa, Arizona.
We’re excited to utilize the January camp to evaluate this group of players in a combined environment,” said Barry Pauwels, Head of Development for Men’s Youth National Teams. “The national team provides a unique platform that complements the daily club environment, enabling us to accelerate player development by supporting each individual within the specific context of their journey.”
The combined camp is part of the Federation’s continued focus on the U.S. Way philosophy, which emphasizes increased programming for Youth National Teams to create more opportunities for young players to advance through the pathway to the senior National Team with the goal of representing their country at a world championship.
Held outside of a FIFA international window, the camp brings together 16 players each from the 2006, 2007 and 2008 birth year groups, allowing the Men’s Youth National Team technical staff to give broader evaluation to each player pool, while also providing integrated positional training between each age group.
Of the 48 players summoned to Arizona, 31 come from 19 different Major League Soccer club setups. The timing of the camp in January also allows an opportune window to evaluate players from the collegiate ranks, with 14 different players representing NCAA Division 1 programs across the country.
The rosters are rounded out by one player each from the USL Championship, USL League One and MLS Next.
Head coaches Rob Valentino (U-20 MNT), Gonzalo Segares (U-19 MNT) and Jeremy Hall (U-18 MNT) will all lead their respective groups, with assistance from Alex Aldaz (U-17 MNT), Paul Simpson (U-16 BNT) and Ross Brady (U-15 BNT).
U-18 MEN’S NATIONAL TEAM (2008) - ROSTER BY POSITION (Club; Hometown):
GOALKEEPERS (2): William Mackay (Real Salt Lake; Highland, Utah), Kendall Starks (Colorado Rapids; Mound Bayou, Miss.)
DEFENDERS (5): Andrei Chrila (FC Cincinnati; Allentown, Pa.), Camron Estala (Real Salt Lake, Tecumseh, Mich.), Micah Harris (Houston Dynamo; Houston, Texas), Ryan Hartley (LA Galaxy; Manhattan Beach, Calif.), Kruz Held (Chicago Fire; Naperville, Ill.)
MIDFIELDERS (5): Evan Lim (New York City FC; Cedar Grove, N.J.), Logan Moniz (FC Boston Bolts; Assonet, Mass.), Daniel Nunez (Portland Timbers; Bakersfield, Calif.), Lukas Robbins (Nashville SC; West Palm Beach, Fla.), Axel Uriostegui Lopez (Real Salt Lake; Las Vegas, Nev.)
FORWARDS (4): Leo Flores Gonzalez (Seattle Sounders; Seattle, Wash.), Lionel Gitau (Houston Dynamo; Houston, Texas), Peyton Presson (Inter Miami; Stuart, Fla.), Theo Reed (Philadelphia Union; Wynnewood, Pa.)
