COMMERCE CITY, Colo. — Colorado Rapids 2 midfielder Nathan Tchoumba and Rapids Academy forward Alex Hernandez have been called up to the United States U-17 Men's National Team for their upcoming international training camp, U.S. Soccer announced. The camp will take place in San Jose, Costa Rica from November 9 to 18 and will feature two international friendlies. The team will face Canada on November 14 followed by a match against Costa Rica on November 17.
Previously representing the United States at other youth levels, Tchoumba, 15, earns his second call-up to the U-17 squad under head coach Jeremy Hall. His previous invitation came in late September through early October, when he joined the team for four international friendlies in San Pedro del Pinatar, Spain. The U-17s finished the series with a 2-2 record, highlighted by a 2-1 victory over the Netherlands with Tchoumba captaining the side.
A Colorado native, Tchoumba has quickly made an impact with Rapids 2 since beginning his professional career earlier this year. After signing with the club on January 16, 2026, becoming the youngest player in team history to do so, the defender made his professional debut on March 1 and went on to feature in 21 matches, including 17 starts. This season, he accumulated 1,235 minutes on the pitch and registered the first assist of his pro career. Beyond his contributions with Rapids 2, Tchoumba also made his First team debut in April during the club’s Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup match against Union Omaha, making him the youngest player in Rapids history to appear for the side.
Hernandez, 16, has received multiple call ups with the U.S. youth national teams with this one marking his third this year and first under Hall. Last year, Hernandez was named to the final roster for the U.S. U-15 Boys' National Team for the 2025 Concacaf Boy's Under-15 Championship where the U.S. made it to the Final in League A. Most recently, he participated in the 2026 Vertex Cup with the U-16 side where the team finished second.
Since joining the Colorado Rapids Future Program as a U-12 player in 2022, the forward has steadily progressed through the club’s Academy system. Now competing with the U-18 side, Hernandez has logged 715 minutes this season. Across all competitions during the 2026-27 MLS NEXT campaign, he has recorded four goals and one assist.
