HARRISON, N.J (September 3, 2024) -Red Bulls II midfielder Rafael Mosquera and defender Omar Valencia have been called up to the Panama U-23 National Team ahead of two friendly matches against Mexico on Friday September 6 and Monday September 9 in Mexico City, Mexico.
The Mosquera has started 10 of 16 matches played this season scoring two goals and tallying one assist. The midfielder scored his first MLS NEXT Pro goal in a 4-1 win against Philadelphia Union II on June 26.
The midfielder has featured for Panama’s Youth National Teams at the U-15, U-20, and U-23 levels. The midfielder most recently featured for Panama’s U-20 National Team during the 2024 U-20 CONCACAF Championships where he captained the side and led them to the semifinals, qualifying them for the FIFA U-20 World Cup for the seventh time in their nation’s history. Mosquera scored the first goal in a 2-1 quarterfinal win over Canada. The overall performance earned Mosquera 2024 U-20 CONCACAF Championships Best XI honors.
Valencia has started in 16 matches this season tallying three assists. Of the three assists this year two of them have given Red Bulls II the lead, including a game winning assist to Roald Mitchell in a 3-2 win against FC Cincinnati 2 on March 28.
Valencia has featured for Panama’s U-20 National Team during the 2022 CONCACAF U-20 Championship, where he made four appearances. The defender also made his Panama National Team Debut on June 11, 2022 in a friendly against Uruguay. Valencia featured for Panama Senior National Team at the 2024 Copa America as a sub in their match against Colombia making him the first active MLS NEXT Pro player to appear in Copa America.
