D.C. United announced today that Andy Najar has been named to the Honduras U-23 Men’s National Team roster for the upcoming CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying Tournament, set to take place from March 22-April 2. Najar will join the Honduran squad in Los Angeles, following D.C. United’s match against the LA Galaxy on Sunday, March 18. Honduras will compete in Group B against Mexico, Panama, and Trinidad & Tobago.
“Andy is a special player and we are excited for him to debut in his first international tournament,” said D.C. United General Manager Dave Kasper. “We wish him the best of success in qualifying for the Olympics.”
Najar received his first call-up to the Honduran National Team in September 2011 for two international friendlies against Colombia and Paraguay. Najar made his Honduran debut at Red Bull Arena on September 3 as a second half substitute in a 2-0 loss to Colombia. On September 6, the midfielder returned to home soil, making his first international start in San Pedro Sula against Paraguay, which resulted in a 3-0 loss for the Hondurans.
A product of D.C. United’s Youth Academy, Najar became the second homegrown player to sign with the first team on March 22, 2010 and went on to win the 2010 MLS Rookie of the Year award. Currently in his third season with D.C. United, the young Honduran has started 51 of the 58 matches he has played in, tallying 10 goals and seven assists for the Black-and-Red. Najar was a starter during D.C. United’s 1-0 loss against Sporting Kansas City in the 2012 MLS season opener.
