Real Madrid Academy Defender Joins United States U-15 Squad

This week brought exciting news as the left-back from Real Madrid's academy joined the United States U-15 team for friendlies in Lisbon, facing Portugal, Italy, and Scotland. Manu Romero, born in 2009 in North Carolina, has a unique journey in football. His early exposure to the sport came through his father, Marcelo Romero, who played for the Carolina Railhawks. At a tender age, Manu and his family relocated to Spain, marking the commencement of his football journey at Málaga. He later made a significant move to Real Madrid for the 2021/2022 season.

The ongoing season has seen Manu excel, garnering attention and recognition. His stellar performance earned him a call-up to the Uruguay U-15 team, where he participated in two games against Paraguay in July. Subsequently, in September, Manu received another call-up, this time from the Spain Under-15 team. The latest development is his acceptance of the call from the Stars and Stripes, making him a trailblazer as one of the first 14-year-old players to represent three different countries.

Manu Romero's playing style positions him as one of the most promising talents born in 2009. His dynamism as an electric left-back, coupled with exceptional technical and tactical abilities, showcases his versatility. Notably, his offensive mindset extends his capabilities to play as a left-winger, adding another dimension to his skill set.

Bittersweet Farewell: United States Bows Out with a 3-2 Thriller Against Germany

The United States fell 3-2 defeat against Germany in the Round of 16 match. Germany seized the lead in the 14th minute with an exceptional goal from a free kick by Charles Herrmann. Taha Habroune leveled the match in the 24th minute, and ten minutes later, Max Moerstedt made it 2-1. In the second half, David Vazquez equalized at 2-2 after a free kick. The final verdict of 3-2 was sealed by substitute Bilal Yalçınkaya at the end of the match.

With this result, the United States finished the competition and in turn put an end to the 2006 cycle. Winger Nimfa Berchimas was the teams top scorer with 3 goals. It’s expected that next January 2024 the new cycles will begin, with the 2008s being the next U-17 team and the 2006s seeking to be part of the U-20 team.

• Ecuador 1-3 Brazil

• Spain 2-1 Japan

• Mali 5-0 Mexico

• Argentina 5-0 Venezuela

• Morocco (4) 1-1 (1) Iran

• England 1-2 Uzbekistan

• France (5) 0-0 (3) Senegal

The quarterfinals commenced on Friday, November 24, with the German team securing a 1-0 victory against Spain, courtesy of a penalty kick by Paris Brunner. Argentina triumphed over Brazil with a stellar performance from River Plate attacking midfielder Claudio Echeverri, who scored a hat-trick in a commanding 3-0 win. The quarterfinal action continued on November 25 with France claiming a 1-0 victory over Uzbekistan and Mali securing a 1-0 win against Morocco.

The semi-finals were defined and will be as follows:

• Argentina vs Germany

• France vs Mali

Young Yanks Abroad

Center forward Alexander Staff, born in 2008 and currently representing Germany U-16, scored a brace for his team Eintracht Frankfurt in a 5-2 victory against Ingolstadt U-17. PSV's 2008 winger, Austyn Jones, participated this week with the Dutch U-16 team in the Football Federations Cup in Spain, gaining minutes in all three games against Denmark, Saudi Arabia, and Mexico.

Jones was not the only American in that tournament, as Viggo Ortiz, Andre Saucedo, and James Romero got minutes representing Mexico U-16. Philadelphia Union duo Ali Merhi and Anisse Saidi returned from their trip with their national teams this week. Merhi traveled to Lebanon for her first camp with the Asian team, and Anisse Saidi got his first experience with Tunisia U-17 after having previously represented the United States.

Keyrol Figueroa scored a goal after his return from the World Cup in a victory for Liverpool against Newcastle. Borussia Dortmund center back and Germany U-16 international Tyler Meiser played 90 minutes and scored a goal in a 2-1 win against Paderborn U-17.

Center forward Jykese Fields, born in 2007 in North Dakota, scored a goal in Hoffenheim's 2-1 victory against TSV 1860 Munchen in the U-17 Bundesliga. Lancaster native and PSV right back Michael Bresser played 51 minutes in a win against FC Utrecht U-17. The forward born in 2008 and who was previously at the Barça Academy Arizona, Isaiah Teng, was champion with Velez Sarsfield U-16 in the Argentine youth league, being the first American player to obtain a championship in the AFA youth league.