The March international window featured three Real Salt Lake players representing their respective countries at both the youth and senior levels: Gavin Beavers, Diego Luna, Rubio Rubín.
Gavin Beavers - U-19 U.S. Youth National Team
Goalkeeper Gavin Beavers joined the U-19 U.S. Youth National Team in Buenos Aires for a pair of friendlies against Racing Club de Avellaneda and Argentina. The call-up marked the fourth time Head Coach Marko Mitrovic selected Beavers to join the team in camp.
The Real Salt Lake Homegrown standout did not feature in the match against Racing Club de Avellaneda, but did feature in the Starting XI against Argentina. The U.S. defeated the South American powerhouse 3-1, with Beavers putting in a stellar performance in net.
“It's a great group of guys every time we go out there, it feels like a family,” Beavers said.”
“We had a great time, great experience. I thought I played pretty well throughout the camp, started against Argentina and overall it was a positive experience.”
Diego Luna - U-20 U.S. Youth National Team
Diego Luna featured on the U-20 U.S. Youth National Team roster in the team’s final tune-up in Marbella, Spain before the 2023 U-20 FIFA World Cup this summer. Luna was also on the U-20 roster for January camp earlier this year.
The U.S. finished 0-2-1 in three matches, with losses coming to fellow World Cup teams France (4-0) and England (4-2), as well as a goalless draw against the U-21 Serbian National Team.
Luna was named to the Starting XI in the France and Serbia matches, and appeared against England coming on as a substitute in the 70 minute.
“It was good to play some games, get minutes against good competition and see where we stand going into the World Cup,” said Luna.
FIFA announced on Wednesday, March 29 that the U-20 World Cup will no longer be held in Indonesia as previously anticipated. The official group draw was scheduled for March 31 but will now be rescheduled as FIFA decides on a new host country for the tournament expected to take place this summer.
“I think the team grew together really well and we know our weaknesses and strengths, and what we need to work on when we go into pre-camp.”
Rubio Rubín - Guatemala
The former U.S. Youth National was named to Guatemala’s CONCACAF Nations League Roster for two CONCACAF Nations League matches against Belize and French Guiana. Rubín made his Guatemala debut last year after making the one-time federation switch in June.
Rubín came on during the 61 minute in Guatemala’s 2-1 win against Belize, and was crucial in securing three points in Group D of League B in a 4-0 win against French Guiana. The RSL forward started for Guatemala and opened the scoring in the 59 minute with a redirecting header which opened the floodgates in the second half.
“The most important thing was that we qualified, it'd been like over years and years since we’ve accomplished that, so that felt good,” Rubin said. “Obviously, getting on the score sheet, helping the team win was special too, especially to start off the year.”
The win assured Guatemala a promotion to League A in Nations League and earned them direct qualification to the CONCACAF Gold Cup which will begin in June.
