Matthew Real called up for U.S. U18 camp in Argentina

Union Academy defender Matthew Real has been named to U.S. U18 head coach Omid Namazi's roster for a 10-day training camp in Argentina that begins next week.

Real is one of 20 players on the roster, all born in 1999. Half of the players on the roster are associated with MLS Academy teams.

The call-up comes after the Wake Forest commit impressed in a scrimmage with Bethlehem Steel FC, scoring a goal after moving forward from left back in a tactical change in the second half by head coach Brendan Burke. Real has played 11 games and started 8 for the U18 team this season and has also gotten a start with the U16s.

The U.S. U18s will play three matches during their time in Buenos Aires: a 9:30 a.m. match against San Lorenzo '99 on March 12, a 9:30 a.m. match against Racing Club '99 on March 14 and a 3 p.m. match against Uruguay's U16 team on March 16.

It's the Drexel Hill resident's second call-up to the squad this season after a training camp with the team in Florida in January.

Matthew Ralph

Matthew Ralph is the managing editor of Philadelphia Soccer Now. He's covered soccer at all levels for a decade in the Philadelphia region and has also written for TheCup.us, NPSL, PrepSoccer and other publications. He lives with his wife and two young children in Broomall, Pa., but grew up in South Jersey and is originally from Kansas.

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