COMMERCE CITY, Colo. — Rapids Academy forward Alex Hernandez has been called up to the United States U-16 Boys' National Team for their upcoming appearance in the 2026 Vertex Cup in Florida. The call up marks Hernandez’ second with the U.S. U-16 group in the past three months after participating in their domestic training camp in February. Â
The U.S. is slated for three matches in the tournament under Head Coach Paul Simpson. The group will match up against top competition, including England on April 16, Mexico on April 19, and Argentina on April 22.Â
The 16-year-old has received numerous call ups for the United States over the past year, including an appearance with the U-15 side for the Concacaf Under-15 Championship in July of 2025. At the international level, Hernandez has made nine appearances for the U.S., logging one goal and three assists in over 400 minutes played.  Â
Hernandez joined the Colorado Rapids Futures Program in 2022 from local youth side ALBION SC Denver. The midfielder has played a major role for Colorado across multiple major tournaments, including MLS NEXT Cup, Generation Adidas Cup, and MLS NEXT Flex. He has spent a majority of his time with the U-16 group, but has played up with the U-18s on multiple occasions.
