COMMERCE CITY, Colo. - Colorado Rapids Academy products Cristopher Madera and Miguel Alvarado have been called up to the U.S. Soccer U-15 Men’s Youth National Team Domestic Camp under head coach Tom Heinemann. Madera, a Rapids U-15 midfielder, and Alvarado, a Rapids U-15 wingback, will participate in the national team camp in Carson, California, at Dignity Health Sports Park from March 3-11.
“It is great to see Cris and Miguel selected to the U-15 Youth National Team Camp,” said Chris Cartlidge, Rapids Academy Technical Director. “They have both excelled this season in MLS NEXT competition and deserve this recognition. Both players will revel in the opportunity to train and compete with some of the best young players in the country and will undoubtedly use this opportunity to further their growth and development.”
Madera joined the Colorado Rapids Academy as a U-12 player from local youth side FC Colorado. The young midfielder has been a key player for the Academy’s U-12, U-13 and U-14 teams and earned a Frontier Conference title with a 19-1-4 record during the U-14’s 2021-22 season. In addition, Madera appeared in 22 games for the U-14 squad and added three goals during last year’s regular season. He also played up with the Rapids U-15 Academy team at the MLS NEXT FLEX event and MLS NEXT Cup during the 2021-22 season. The Colorado native currently occupies a spot on the U-15 Academy team and has made 19 appearances, starting in every match and scoring two goals during the current 2022-23 season.
Alvarado started his time with the club at the U-12 level, transferring to the Rapids Academy from the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club. The 15-year-old wingback played a critical role in the 2021-22 season, making 20 appearances for the U-14s and helping the team to a Frontier Conference title with a 19-1-4 record. In the same season, he also spent time with the U-15 Academy side competing in the MLS NEXT FLEX event, MLS NEXT Cup and Generation adidas Cup. In the current 2022-23 MLS NEXT season, Alvarado has played in seven matches, starting all of them.
