He was invited to the Rapids preseason camp in January. He signed his professional contract in April and made his first MLS start in front of a sellout crowd just a few weeks later. It took him a few months, but the 16-year-old scored his first MLS goal in July and, finally, on Wednesday he earned a call-up to the US U-17 camp ahead of the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Not a bad start to 2019 for Sebastian Anderson, huh?
Despite all of the accomplishments “Seb” has to his name in 2019, this latest call-up means a little more to Homegrown from Highlands Ranch.
“I was beyond excited. My ultimate goal is to be in the U-17 World Cup so I’m hoping to show well at this camp and earn my spot.”
While this may be the latest call-up for Anderson, it’s not the first time he’s donned the red, white and blue. He was a part of U-15 player pool and participated in the 2017 Nike International Friendlies in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. Overall, he’s made 11 appearances for the US at the youth national team level and he’ll look to extend that number in the coming years. If Anderson is able to make the U-17 World Cup squad, he and the US team would head to Brazil for a chance to face the best teams in the world. The 2019 edition of the tournament runs from late October into November.
While playing for his country means a lot to Anderson, it may mean just as much if not more to the Rapids organization. To develop an Academy product, sign them to the first team and then see them flourish at the international level is something that the club takes great pride in.
“We’re incredibly proud of him, but I think it’s all deserved. It all comes from his hard work, the type of person he, the family he comes from and his values.” Executive Vice President/GM Pádraig Smith said after Anderson was named to the roster. “For my money, I’m not sure there are better right backs at the age of 16 in the country and I think he has a real shot at going to the World Cup which is something we would be thrilled with.”
The next goal on Anderson’s to-do list? That begins by trying to earn a spot on the U-17 World Cup roster, working his way up through the youth ranks and ultimately making the senior national team.
“For me this is huge, I want to make a name for myself. Not only here in Colorado with the Rapids, but also with the US team. Hopefully I can go higher up the levels as we progress, but right now this is a little step that I want to be taking in the right direction.”
