HERRIMAN, Utah (Friday, February 3, 2023) – Real Monarchs and former RSL Academy goalkeeper Fernando Delgado has been named to the U-17 Mexican National Team final roster for the 2023 Concacaf U-17 Championship taking place in Guatemala February 11 – 26, 2023. The top four teams coming out of the competition will earn qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Peru 2023. Click here to review all the specific details about the tournament.
Delgado, 16, has been a frequent member of the U-17 Mexico National Team, having recently earned consecutive call-ups in July, August, and December of 2022, and most recently in January of 2023, despite being one of the younger players in the age group. Delgado has appeared in goal for “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. Delgado made headlines, 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 Real Monarchs 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 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.
