HERRIMAN, Utah (Monday, December 5, 2022) – Real Monarchs and former RSL Academy goalkeeper Fernando Delgado has been selected for the U-17 Mexico Youth National Team for a series of friendly matches. The matches will serve as preparation for the upcoming CONCACAF U-17 Championship in February, the top four teams of which will earn qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Peru.
Delgado, 16, has been a frequent member of the U-17 Mexico National Team, having recently earned consecutive call-ups in July and August of this year despite being one of the younger players in the age group. Delgado has appeared between the pipes for the “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 last season, 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 Monarchs between the posts 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 comes 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.
