MLS Colorado Rapids

Rapids Academy Defender Miguel Alvarado Called up to U.S. U-15 Men's Youth National Team

Published on August 8, 2023 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Colorado Rapids News Release


COMMERCE CITY, Colo. - Colorado Rapids Academy defender Miguel Alvarado has been called up by the U.S. U-15 Men's Youth National Team for the Concacaf Championships in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The 22 selected players attended pre-camp in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, from July 24 to August 2 before an 18-player roster was selected for the Concacaf Boys' Under-15 Championship that will take place in the Dominican Republic from August 2 through August 14.

"We are thrilled to see Miguel invited back into the U-15 U.S. Men's Youth National Team squad for the upcoming U-15 Concacaf Championships," said Chris Cartlidge, Rapids Academy Technical Director. "Miguel has excelled this season and consistently delivered high level performances against some of the top teams and opponents in the country. This event will be another opportunity for Miguel to take another step on his developmental journey. The opportunity to play on the international stage in meaningful competition provides Miguel with another valuable experience and growth opportunity."

The Concacaf Boys' Under-15 Championship kicked off this weekend with the team competing in two matches against Qatar and Cuba. The August 6 match against Qatar saw the U.S. capture a 3-2 win in their opening game of the tournament.

Following the win against Qatar, the U-15s put up a dominant 11-0 performance against Cuba to lead Group B heading into the team's final group stage match against Haiti on Tuesday, August 8, at 6 p.m. MT. Academy defender Alvarado recorded a start in both of the opening matches, playing 180 minutes total across the two competitions.

Alvarado joined the Rapids Academy at the U-12 level from local affiliate Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club. The 15-year-old defender was a key contributor during the 2022-23 season, making 16 appearances for the U-15 team, adding one goal and helping the team to a spot in the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs with a 14-6-6 record. The U-15s ultimately fell short in the Round of 16 of the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs, losing to the New York Red Bulls Academy in a 2-0 loss.

Alvarado has spent a significant amount of time with the youth national team during the 2023 season, including two team camps in March and April. Most recently, he joined the team for the International Training Camp & Tournament that took place from April 21 to May 1 in San Pedro del Pinatar, Spain, under head coach Tom Heinermann. The tournament kicked off on April 26 with the U.S. facing off against England in a game that saw the two teams end regulation in a 2-2 draw. The two sides went on to compete in a penalty kick shootout where the U.S. was able to beat England to take home their lone victory of the tournament. The following matches against Spain and Japan ended in a 0-3 loss and a 3-5 loss, respectively. Alvarado featured in all three matches and was awarded the Player of the Tournament for his performances across all three competitions.

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