Philadelphia Union Academy forward Jamir Johnson has received a call up for the United States Under-16 Men's Youth National Team which will see the team head to Argentina for friendlies against Uruguay and the host country.
Johnson has played a big role for the Union Academy U-17 squad which clinched it's spot into the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs this past weekend with a 3-0 win over Charlotte FC. Johnson notched a goal in the win, continuing what has been an impressive 2023-24 season. Johnson also helped lead the team to its second-consecutive Generation adidas Cup championship that saw him have a breakout tournament with three goals in the prestigous event. Johnson appeared in all seven matches and helped the Boys in Blue advance to the knockout round with a second half brace in the group finale against the Vancouver Whitecaps.
In the Round of 16, Johnson delivered the game's only goal against South Korean side Jeonbuk. Philly’s set piece persistence finally paid off in the 58th minute as Neil Pierre won the ball in the box and putting it at the feet of his teammates. After a half clearance to prevent a shot, Lennon Harrington intercepted the pass and dropped a perfectly placed cross to the far post where Johnson timed his run for the finish.
Gonzalo Segares selected 20 players for the training camp as this age group will transition to become the U-17 MYNT later this year and attempt to qualify for the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar at the 2025 Concacaf U-17 Championship. This marks the third training camp of the one-year U-16 MYNT cycle after domestic gatherings last November in Carson, Calif. and April in West Palm Beach, Fla. Five players have been a part of all three gatherings: Pedro Guimaraes, Jamir Johnson, Owen Pratt, Tanner Rosborough and Gio Villa.
The U.S. Under-16 Men’s Youth National Team will head to Buenos Aires, Argentina for a training camp from May 22-30 with matches against Uruguay on May 27 and Argentina on May 30. Both games will be played at the AFA National Training Center.
