Damion Downs has been nominated to the USMNT Under-20 squad for their latest training camp. The 17-year-old attacker has been with 1. FC Köln since 2020, when he joined the under-17s from FC Ingolstadt. His first season saw him score twice in three games before the season was cut short due to COVID-19. This year, Downs has moved up to the under-19s and netted six times in 12 matches. The Werneck-born forward also featured in the UEFA Youth League tie against KRC Genk.
He was then part of the friendly squad during the last international break. After training with the first-team, he impressed in the first 45 minutes of the game against Siegburg. The youngster scored a hat-trick before being replaced at half-time.
Downs, who qualifies for the USA through his father, will be part of the camp from 21st April until 2nd May. That includes a friendly game against University of California (UCLA).
Damion Downs said: “For me, it is an honour to be nominated. It gives me the chance to represent the American side of my family and to do that in football on the international stage is even better. I am happy to have the chance to prove myself and will take as much from the camp as I can.”
Thomas Kessler added: “It’s great that Damion’s good development has also been recognised in his home country. He now has the opportunity to test himself against the best young players in the USA and collect valuable experience. We wish him all the best while he’s there.”