Union's Pfeffer and Steffen called up by the U.S. Under-18 Men’s National Team

Chester, Pa. – Midfielder Zach Pfeffer and Philadelphia Union Academy member Zackary Steffen have been called up by the U.S. Under-18 Men’s National Team for their latest training camp from Nov. 17-24 in Carson, Calif.

During the training camp, the U-18 MNT is scheduled to square off against the Canada U-18 Men’s National Team on Wednesday, Nov. 21 and Friday, Nov. 23; both matches are slated to kick off at 3 p.m. PT.  Coached by Javier Perez, the team last convened in the Netherlands in September, where they competed against U-18 club teams representing Feyenoord Rotterdam, Borussia Dortmund and Club Brugge.

"Anytime you get a chance to represent your country regardless of the level it's a big honor,” said Pfeffer.  “I am excited for the opportunity and always take a lot from those training sessions."

Pfeffer, one of five professionals on the 24-player roster, signed as the Union’s first ever Homegrown player in 2010 and made his first official league appearance with the Union in 2011, starting in a 1-0 victory against the Columbus Crew on September 17. Pfeffer, 17, most recently captained the Union’s U-17 squad to the 2012 Generation adidas Cup.

Rated the top goalkeeper in the class of 2013 by ESPNHS, Steffen verbally committed to the University of Maryland earlier this year.  In addition to participating in Philadelphia's academy system and the Union’s Reserve League team, Steffen plays for Youth Development Affillate FC DELCO and has been a member of the US Youth National Teams since the age of 14.