The U.S. Under-16 Men’s Youth National Team is kicking off a new era under head coach Alex Aldaz, with 24 of the country’s top young talents gathering in Fayetteville, Georgia, for an exciting week of training. This camp, held from Sept. 15-22, marks the beginning of a fresh U-16 cycle, with all players born in 2009, setting the stage for the future of U.S. Soccer.
As the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center nears completion in Fayetteville, just 25 miles from downtown Atlanta, these young athletes are honing their skills in the heart of Georgia. The squad features players from **13 MLS clubs**, showcasing the breadth of talent across the nation.
Fresh off a victorious run at the Vlatko Markovic Tournament in Croatia, where they bested Morocco and Japan, this age group is aiming to build on their recent international success.
Leading the roster in representation is the Columbus Crew with four players, while Chicago Fire FC and Inter Miami CF contribute three players each. Atlanta United FC, a beloved local favorite, has two promising talents taking part in the camp: James Donaldson from Woodstock and Ignacio Suarez-Couri from Johns Creek.
Roster Highlights:
– Goalkeepers: Atlanta’s own James Donaldson will be between the posts, joined by Keller Abbott (Columbus Crew) and Marcelo Avalos (Philadelphia Union).
– Defenders: The defensive line includes standout players like Hugo Berg (Chicago Fire) and Gabriel Florentino (Inter Miami CF).
– Midfielders: Keep an eye on Ignacio Suarez-Couri (Atlanta United FC) and Lukas Bruegmann (Houston Dynamo FC) to control the tempo in the middle of the park.
– Forwards: A dangerous attacking unit includes Zidane Cadet (Inter Miami CF) and Immanuel Ewing (Columbus Crew), ready to lead the offense.
With talent drawn from all corners of the country, this camp serves as an exciting launchpad for the U.S. U-16 Men’s Youth National Team as they prepare for upcoming challenges on the international stage. Atlanta fans can take pride in seeing their local stars and the next generation of American soccer developing right in their backyard.
