Charleston, South Carolina – Charleston Battery’s Fidel Barajas was named to the Mexican squad for the Concacaphu Under-17 Championship in Guatemala on Tuesday night, which opens on Saturday, February 11. 17 World Cup.
El Tri are the most successful team in the history of the Concacafe U-17 Championship and are the current four-time defending champions. A late-season signing by the battery during the 2022 USL Championship season, Barajas was selected to the 20-man squad after a good run in pre-tournament camp in Mexico City.
The 16-year-old is back in the youth national team after playing friendly matches against Costa Rica and Canada in December 2022 and is excited about the games ahead.
“There are no words to express how important the upcoming Conca Cafe match is. Having the opportunity to qualify for the World Cup is every player’s dream,” said Barajas. “We have just witnessed a fantastic World Cup full of excitement at the senior level and we are speechless to be able to participate in the U-17 World Cup in Peru through these games.”
The Concacaf U-17 Championship kicks off with a group stage with four nations per group. Mexico will be paired with Panama and Curacao, while Guatemala will host. The top three teams from each group will advance to the Knockout Stage (Round of 16) and the final on February 26 in Guatemala City. The four semi-finalists will qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup later this year.
Barajas has made 12 appearances for the U-17 Mexico national team, scoring four goals. Since joining the Battery, Barajas has been able to develop a strong rapport with his teammates, having also played in Poland’s Silenka his cup and his UNCAF FIFA forward U-16 tournament in Honduras with Mexico. I made it.
“I believe being able to build team chemistry is key to success,” said Barajas. “By getting to know teammates from different backgrounds but with the same goals in mind, you can build trust in each other. 2023 will be the last drop of sweat and blood for both the club and the country. It’s going to be a great year for me. My personal goals are to win championships in Charleston Battery and Mexico.
After the tournament, the winger will return to the battery for the club’s pre-season preparations. Barajas at the end of his 2022 season he appeared in 3 games and recorded 2 of his assists.
