HERRIMAN, Utah (Friday, January 6, 2023) – Real Monarchs and former RSL Academy goalkeeper Fernando Delgado has been called up to join the U-17 Mexican National Team to attend Training Camp in Mexico City January 16 – February 3, in final preparation for the Team’s participation in the 2023 CONCACAF Men’s U-17 Championship.
The 2023 CONCACAF Men’s U-17 Championship will take place February 11 – 26, 2023, in Guatemala. The top four teams coming out of the competition will earn qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Peru 2023.
Delgado, 16, has been a frequent member of the U-17 Mexico National Team, having recently earned consecutive call-ups in July, August and December of 2022 despite being one of the younger players in the age group. Delgado has appeared between the pipes for “El Tri” against Belgium, England, Japan, Uruguay and South Korea. The young netminder holds dual citizenship for the United States and Mexico, having represented both countries at the youth level.
After successfully leading the 2020-21 RSL Academy U-15 side to its first-ever MLS NEXT Cup championship, Delgado signed with the Club’s second division side, Real Monarchs in MLS NEXT Pro. This past year Delgado made one appearance with Real Monarchs, making one save in the team’s 4-2 win against Portland Timbers II.
Delgado made headlines, becoming the youngest goalkeeper to make his professional debut at 15 years, 2 months and 22 days on October 16, 2021, when he started for the Real Monarchs in a 4-3 win over former USL Championship side Austin Bold.
Real Monarchs are in preparation for their second season in MLS NEXT Pro, having finished the 2022 season with a five-match undefeated streak in league play and an eight-match home unbeaten streak across all competitions. The Club’s move to MLS NEXT Pro came after seven seasons in the USL Championship, during which the team won the 2019 USL Championship Cup, the 2017 USL Regular Season Shield and the Western Conference Title in both 2017 and 2019, while also qualifying for the postseason in 2018.
Tickets for Real Monarchs can be purchased by calling 844.Real.Tix or visiting www.RSL.com/tickets.
