HERRIMAN, Utah (Wednesday, January 11, 2023) – Real Salt Lake Academy Defenders Gershon Henry and Gabriel Oksanen have been named to Finland U-17 Youth National Team as they face Belgium in two matches in preparation for the EC qualifying tournament in Turkey in March. The international matches will be played in Finland on Tuesday, January 24 and Thursday, January 26, 2023.
As a member of the RSL Academy’s U-17 squad, Henry played in nearly every game of the 2022 season as one of the Club’s center backs, competing with the team in all four major tournaments. Additionally, Henry made his professional debut as a starter for Real Monarchs in MLS NEXT Pro in April of 2022 against Portland Timbers II.
On the international stage, Henry has competed on multiple occasions with both the U-15 and U-17 U.S. Youth National Teams. This will be his first appearance with the Finnish Youth National Team.
Oksanen joined the RSL Academy at the beginning of the 2022 calendar year and appeared with the U-17 team in the Generation Adidas Cup and MLS NEXT Cup. Additionally, Oksanen made his professional debut with Real Monarchs in MLS NEXT Pro in April of 2022 against Minnesota United 2.
This is now the second time that Oksanen has been named to the Finland U-17 National Team. He joined the team in July 2022 for the Open Nordic Tournament, facing Denmark, England, and Norway.
The Real Salt Lake Academy returns to action on January 22, 2023 on the road against Sacramento United.
