COLUMBUS – Columbus Crew today announced that defender and Crew Academy product Aboubacar Keita has received an international call-up from the United States Under-23 Men’s National Team ahead of its January Camp. The U-23 Men’s National Team is set to hold January Camp from January 9-24 in Bradenton, Florida. At the conclusion of the U-23 camp, additional players may be selected to continue training with the senior Men’s National Team.
Keita, 20, has previously represented the U.S. at the U-20 level, having made his debut in a 2019 friendly against France (March 22), providing a game-tying assist. Keita also made five appearances (all starts) for the Stars and Stripes during the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup, helping the U.S. reach the quarterfinals against Ecuador. Prior to his U-20 call-ups, Keita joined the Under-19 U.S. Men’s National Team at the Youth National Teams Summit in January of 2018. He earned his first Youth National Team call-up at an Under-17 development camp in 2017.
In 2020, Keita made 11 appearances (10 starts) in MLS regular-season action for the Crew, en route to helping the Black & Gold claim their second MLS Cup. In all, since joining the Crew ahead of the 2019 season, the defender has made 21 regular-season appearances (18 starts) for the Crew.
Upon his return from U-23 national team duty, Keita will follow the necessary health and safety protocols set forth by Major League Soccer.
