Two Colorado Rapids Academy players have been called up to their respective youth national teams. Jonathan De La Fuente has joined the Mexican U-17 Youth National Team for the Torneo del Sol in Toluca, Mexico. Kendall Starks has been selected for the United States U-18 Men’s National Team training camp in Mesa, Arizona.
De La Fuente began his camp with Mexico on January 7, and will continue through January 17 as the team competes in the tournament. The event serves as preparation for the Concacaf Qualifiers ahead of the FIFA U-17 World Cup. This is De La Fuente’s second selection to a Mexican youth national team within three months. He has played a significant role in the Rapids’ 2009 age group, captaining the U-18 side multiple times and leading them in minutes played this season.
Starks joined the U.S. U-18 group on January 10 under Head Coach Jeremy Hall and will also return on January 17. The training camp features 16-player rosters for each of the U-18, U-19, and U-20 men’s teams, with sessions focusing on individual development across different age groups.
This marks Starks’ first call-up to the U-18 level after a strong season highlighted by earning Goalkeeper of the Tournament at the 2025 GA Cup, where he recorded six clean sheets and helped his team reach the final. In addition to his academy performances, Starks made his professional debut in 2025 with Rapids 2 in MLS NEXT Pro during a match against Minnesota United FC 2 on September 27.
“The selection marks De La Fuente’s second in the last three months after two standout years within the Colorado Rapids Academy pathway. The key member of the Rapids’ 2009 age group captained the U-18 group on multiple occasions and led the team in minutes played this season.”
“The call up is Starks’ first to the U-18 age group, with the goalkeeper earning the recognition following an impressive season. He highlighted the year with his performance at the 2025 GA Cup, earning the Goalkeeper of the Tournament award after posting six clean sheets and leading his side to the Cup Final. Additionally, Starks made his professional debut in 2025 after starting in net for Rapids 2 in MLS NEXT Pro on September 27 against Minnesota United FC 2.”
