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Even though RSL-AZ has only two scheduled Academy games in March, things have and will still be busy this month for the team. Many players will be returning home for spring break, others will be traveling to Dallas Cup and some will feature in the numerous friendlies that have been scheduled.
Two players, Bofo Saucedo and Coco Navarro, have even been called up to teams outside of Grande Sports Academy. Let’s take a look at those call-ups.
Coco Navarro
Over the weekend Navarro was called up by Real Salt Lake to play in one of their reserve matches. Reserve matches are meant for players on a team that are most likely bench players still looking to break into the first team. According to the rules by MLS, a club may call up to 5 academy players for a game.
Navarro talks about getting that call saying, “It was a weekend and I was planning on going home. My mother picked me up and when I was watching my little brothers game I got a text from assistant coach Freddy Juarez asking me if i was available. Then RSL planned everything and they were like ‘your flying to San Jose for the reserve game’. It was a great feeling getting called for the first time.”
Navarro was then given one of the best seats in the house just feet away from RSL’s bench.
“I think it was a great experience.Even though I didn’t play being able to interact with the players. Everyone as nice and joking around and showed me they also have fun but when they play its time to be serious.”
The reserve match was held on Monday and even though Navarro was on the bench for the game he did not feature in it. He’s not sure when he will get called up again but he said he is hopeful he will get another opportunity.
Bofo Saucedo
U16 academy player Bofo Saucedo has just been called up to USMNT U17 camp this month. Camp begins on March 23rd, and will kickoff qualifying for the U17 World Cup on April 7th, when they play against Haiti. Saucedo will be with the team for a week and if he has a strong performance he can be called up to that qualifying game.
“I’m very excited to make the U17 Men’s National Team training camp. It’s just another step for me to another level. I’m very excited to show what I got and what I can do to help the team and if not just be with the team.”
This isn’t the first time Saucedo has been called up by US Soccer. He participated with the U15 team as well.
“Making the first time was one of the biggest things for me because it was my first time making the National Team. Now I think about it and it’s another step from the U15’s to the U17’s. I’m very excited to get a shot and to keep working hard to get where I need to.”
Good luck Bofo!