Louisville City FC defender Josh Wynder has received a second straight call up to the United States Under-19 Men’s Youth National Team, U.S. Soccer announced Friday.
After training with the side in April, this latest opportunity will come with an opportunity for game experience as the U-19s head to Marbella, Spain, for games versus England (June 6) and Norway (June 9).
Coach Marko Mitrović called in 19 players. Wynder is among the 13 invited back after U-19 MYNT’s April camp and three players — the others being Loudoun United forward Kristian Fletcher and Orange County SC forward Oluwakorede Osudina — from USL Championship rosters.
“I’m honored to receive another call up,” Wynder said. “It’ll be great to get experience playing against other national teams. I hope to continue doing my thing and represent the club well.”
Just 17 years old, Wynder has started nine of the club’s 12 USL Championship games in his first full season as a professional. Playing in central defense, the LouCity youth academy product leads the team in blocks (5), plus ranks third in clearances (16) and passes per 90 minutes (63).
Wynder also got the nod on LouCity’s back line in the club’s recent Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 game against Major League Soccer’s Nashville SC. While he left due to injury in the 51st minute, Wynder suffered only a knock, leaving him potentially available for selection heading into Saturday’s 2 p.m. league game against FC Tulsa.
Whether Wynder plays this weekend, he is expected to fully participate in the U-19 camp.
“I’m really excited for Josh to get this chance,” said LouCity coach Danny Cruz. “I certainly feel like it’s earned. He’s going to go get some games against some quality opponents over in Europe. We’re certainly looking forward to seeing him make the most of the opportunity.”
All 19 players called to Spain are age-eligible for this summer’s 2022 Concacaf U-20 Championship in Honduras, which serves as qualification for the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup and the 2024 Olympics. The players born in 2005 are also age-eligible for the 2024-25 U-20 World Cup cycle.
