Crew's Justin Meram Earns First International Call-Up with Iraq

Published on November 10, 2014 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Columbus Crew SC News Release

COLUMBUS - The Columbus Crew today announced that midfielder Justin Meram is set to become the first player in Major League Soccer history to earn an international call-up with the Iraq National Team. The Crew winger is set to depart today from New England to Saudi Arabia as Iraq is slated to play in the 2014 Gulf Cup of Nations. On Head Coach Hakeem Shaker's side, Meram and Iraq are scheduled to play group stage matches in the tournament against Kuwait on November 14, against Oman on November 17 and the United Arab Emirates on November 20.

This is the first call-up for the Shelby Township, Michigan-born Meram, who now holds dual citizenship through his parents, both from Iraq.

Prior to his flight overseas, Meram will address the media today at 3:00 p.m. ET via conference call. Media members must RSVP in order to ask a question on the call by contacting Tim Miller [tmiller@thecrew.com].

The 25-year-old had a successful third campaign with the Black & Gold in 2014. In the regular season, Meram made a career-high 32 appearances - including 19 starts - in the midfield and scored eight goals while assist ing on four others, career-bests in both categories as well. The University of Michigan graduate - and the Crew's 15th overall selection in the First Round of the 2011 MLS SuperDraft - finished third on the club in regular-season goal-scoring in 2014 behind Ethan Finlay and Federico Higuain (11 goals each). Meram added his first postseason goal in the first leg of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the New England Revolution on November 1 at Crew Stadium.

Major League Soccer Stories from November 10, 2014

• Top Five MLS Playoff Performances of All-Time - LA Galaxy
• Rapids offer fans the opportunity to be more than a face in the crowd - Colorado Rapids
• Earthquakes Weekly Update - San Jose Earthquakes
• Proud Meram Fulfills Dream in Earning Iraq Call-Up - Columbus Crew SC
• Landon Donovan Vows to Go out in a Blaze of Glory - LA Galaxy
• 3rd Annual Supporters' Sale Set for November 14 and 15 - Colorado Rapids
• Four FC Dallas Players Earn MoneyGram International Call-Ups - FC Dallas
• LA Galaxy Continue Postseason Quest - LA Galaxy
• DeAndre Yedlin Named to 25-Man U.S. Men's National Team Roster - Seattle Sounders FC
• Red Bulls Update: New York to Host First Leg of Eastern Conference Championship - New York Red Bulls
• Mark Watson Joins Orlando City SC Coaching Staff - Orlando City SC
• Crew's Justin Meram Earns First International Call-Up with Iraq - Columbus Crew SC
• Jermaine Jones and Lee Nguyen Called into U.S. National Team - New England Revolution
• Houston Dynamo Defender DaMarcus Beasley to Join United States National Team - Houston Dynamo FC
• Earthquakes' Wondolowski Named to U.S. Men's National Team Roster for Final Matches of 2014 - San Jose Earthquakes
• Revs to Host NYRB in Second Leg of Eastern Conference Championship on Saturday, November 29 - New England Revolution
• Sporting KC Captain Matt Besler on U.S. MNT Roster - Sporting Kansas City
• Sean Johnson Joins U.S. Men's National Team in Advance of Matches against Colombia and Ireland - Chicago Fire FC
• Bill Hamid Called up to U.S. Men's National Team - D.C. United
• Real Salt Lake Season Ends with 5-0 Defeat to La Galaxy - Real Salt Lake

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Columbus Crew SC Stories

• Columbus Crew Re-Sign Defender Rudy Camacho
• Columbus Crew Select Two Players in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft
• Columbus Crew Re-Sign Goalkeeper Evan Bush
• MLS Announces 2025 Mark Abbott MLS Club Business Awards Winners
• Columbus Crew Reach Agreement for Wilfried Nancy to Become Manager of Scottish Premiership's Celtic F.C.