Earlier this week, Republic FC Academy forward J.P. Cortez was extended an official invitation to the Guatemala U-20 Men’s National Team camp for the March 27 – April 2 training cycle.
The 18-year-old forward has featured for Sacramento’s U19 squad in each of the last two seasons. In 2021, he helped his team reach the MLS NEXT Cup semifinals, appearing in all four of the squad’s matches. This season, Cortez has appeared in 15 matches in league and tournament play, scoring four goals. His performance landed him a USL academy contract earlier this month, allowing him to train and compete with the first-team squad without forgoing his amateur status for the second straight year after earning his first Academy Contract last July.
“The club is extremely proud of J.P. for this very special invitation,” said Academy Head Coach Eder Quintanilla. “It’s not a surprise to see another academy player from our club get a tremendous opportunity to showcase their talent at the next level or on the international stage.”
Cortez joined Republic FC’s Academy in 2019 from North Coast FC. His invitation makes him the 34th player from Sacramento’s academy system to receive an invite to a national team program.