Three Union players called to U-18 U.S. Men's National Team

Chester, Pa. - Philadelphia Union Homegrown midfielder Zach Pfeffer and Union Academy members goalkeeper Zack Steffen and defender Miguel Alves have been called up by the U-18 U.S. Men's National Team for a training camp at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. from March 25-April 1, U.S. Soccer announced today.

Pfeffer, 17, signed as the Union's first Homegrown Player on December 22, 2010. He made his first official League appearance in 2011, starting in a 1-0 victory against the Columbus Crew on September 17. Pfeffer also started in Philadelphia's regular season finale against the New York Red Bulls.

Steffen, 16, helped lead the Union's U-18 squad to an undefeated fall season, the Academy's first full season of competition. In addition to participating in Philadelphia's academy system, Steffen plays for Youth Development Affilliate FC DELCO. He was also on the roster for Union Reserve League matches in 2011.

Alves, 16, also plays for a Youth Development Affiliate of the Union, Players Development Academy (PDA), and was recently invited to join Philadelphia's academy program.

Pfeffer and Steffen both represented the U.S. in the 2011 Mondial Minimes Montaigu Tournament in Montaigu, France from April 18-26. In 2012, Pfeffer, Steffen and Alves were called up for another U.S. U-18 training camp in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. from Jan. 2-9.