San Diego, Calif. (Sept. 11, 2023) – San Diego Wave FC midfielder Melanie Barcenas has been called up to the United States U-17 Women’s Youth National Team for its September camp, U.S. Soccer announced today. Barcenas, the youngest-ever contract NWSL player at 15 years and 138 days, along with Washington Spirit midfielder Chloe Ricketts, will be the first two professional players ever to be called up to the U-17 team.
The U.S. U-17 WYNT will begin a new cycle with the training camp being held from Sept. 17-26 as head coach Katie Schoepfer has called up 26 players to the event at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. The camp includes two international friendlies against Japan’s U-17 WNT, taking place on Friday, Sept. 22 and Sunday, Sept. 24. Both games will kick off at 1:00 p.m. PT on Field 3 and are open to the public.
A native of Clairemont, San Diego, Barcenas has appeared in six regular-season matches for the Wave in her rookie campaign. Barcenas earned an assist in the club’s match on Aug. 19, becoming the youngest player to record an assist (15 years, 9 months, 20 days) in NWSL history.
Barcenas and the Wave return to regular-season action on Saturday, Sept. 16, as the club hosts Latino Heritage Night. The match is slated to kickoff at 7:00 p.m. PT at Snapdragon Stadium with tickets available here.
