HERRIMAN, Utah (Friday, March 10, 2023) – Real Monarchs defender Omar Alba has been called by the Panamanian Fútbol Federation to join the National Men's Team for their international friendly match against Guatemala taking place on Sunday, March 12 at PayPal Park in San Jose, California.
Panama continues preparations for their upcoming Concacaf Nations League match versus Costa Rica on March 28. A member of FIFA’s Concacaf confederation, Panama has participated in numerous prestigious international competitions such as the 2018 FIFA World Cup and Concacaf Gold Cups.
Alba joined Real Monarchs in August 2022, after leading the U-20 Panama Youth National Team to the quarterfinals of the 2022 Concacaf U-20 Championship. Playing mainly as a center back, Alba was featured in every match during Panama’s run, starting in four of the country’s five games. Alba previously played for one of the most storied clubs in the Liga Panamaña de Fútbol, the topflight in Panama, CD Plaza Amador. The defender appeared in 46 matches between the club’s first and second division sides across three seasons.
Real Monarchs are in preparation for their second season in MLS NEXT Pro, having begun preseason training on February 1, 2023. Under the leadership of Head Coach Jamison Olave, the team finished the 2022 season with an eight-game unbeaten run at home, empowered by the league’s youngest roster (by average age) in the entire league.
