Two Chicago Fire players have left post-season training camp early to participate in camps with their national sides.
Orr Barouch – Israel U21s vs. France U21s (Thursday, November 10 and Sunday, November 13)
On loan Chicago Fire striker Orr Barouch rejoined the Israel U21’s last week as they prepare for a pair of friendlies against their French counterparts on Thursday, November 10 and Sunday, November 13 at the National Stadium in Ramat-Gan.
Having made his debut for the Israeli youth side in their 4-1 loss at England on September 5, Barouch forewent an October training camp to stay with the Fire during their playoff push but rejoins the side as it continues its preparations to host the 2013 UEFA U21 Championships.
Sean Johnson – U.S. U23 Training Camp in Duisburg, Germany
As expected, second-year Fire goalkeeper Sean Johnson (Right) was one of four goalkeepers summoned for the first U.S. U23 national team camp of the cycle, beginning Monday in Duisburg, Germany as the side begins preparations for next year’s pre-Olympic tournament to be held at sites to be determined in the United States.
Recently-named U23 head coach Caleb Porter will not be in attendance at the camp while he continues his full-time duties leading Akron University’s Men’s Soccer team but the camp will be led by U.S. Soccer’s Youth Technical Director Claudio Reyna. The former U.S . Men’s National Team captain will be joined in leading the camp by U20 head coach and former American international Tab Ramos.
Having made his senior national team debut in January’s 1-1 draw vs. Chile, Johnson joins Norwegian-based midfielder Mikkel Diskerud and New York Red Bulls striker Juan Agudelo as the only three players on the first 2012 Olympic cycle camp roster, running through November 16, to have been capped for the full Men’s National Team.
Chicago Fire assistant athletic trainer Matt Zalewski will join Johnson at camp this week after being selected to the camp’s training staff.
Jeff Crandall is the Team Writer for the Chicago Fire. Follow him on Twitter @JefeCrandall.
