Atlanta United is becoming known nationwide for the quality of its academy program. They added another player to a youth national team roster today when U18 captain Edwin Figueroa was called up to Brad Friedel’s U.S. U19 squad for a training camp in Chula Vista, California from October 3-10.

During the camp, the U19’s will play Liga MX’s Xolos reserve squad on October 7 and another match against an undetermined opponent on October 9. Figueroa joins 23 other players in the camp. He is one of ten players in the group attached to MLS clubs.

Figueroa joined Atlanta United’s academy from Liga Lawrenceville, one of the largest predominantly Latino leagues in the state of Georgia. The center back was named captain of United’s U18 squad and scored in their win over Chargers SC last weekend.

Academy Director and U18 Head Coach Richard Money described Figueroa as a “real good organizer and very calm with the ball.” He has anchored a defense that has allowed three goals in four games so far in their 4-0-0 start.