Last week, Republic FC forward Da’vian Kimbrough joined the Mexico U16 National Team in Spain for the East Mallorca Cup – a prestigious tournament featuring some of the top youth academies across the globe. The call-up marked his second to the El Tri’s Youth ranks this year and his third invitation to a national team program in 2024.
Kimbrough again showed his talent, helping Mexico reach the semifinal after claiming second in their group. The Woodland native exploded for four goals and three assists in his squad’s final group stage match on Friday, finding the net in the 30th, 32nd, 33rd, and 37th minutes as Mexico bested Exeter JPL 15-0.
The tournament featured academy sides from some of the top clubs in the world – Kimbrough and Mexico faced off against the U15 sides from Spanish club RCD Mallorca and Irish Premier Division club Shelbourne FC on Thursday, earning a win and draw apiece. After winning in the quarterfinal, the squad faced off with its counterparts from Spanish side FC Barcelona, falling 1-0 in a tight match. The competition’s other groups featured youth teams from Real Madrid, current Premier League leaders Liverpool FC, and historic Scottish side Rangers FC.
This is not the first time Kimbrough has impressed on the international stage. In December, he was a standout for El Tri’s U15 National Team at the Football Federations Cup in Albir, Spain. In three matches against Finland, Saudi Arabia, and Spain, he finished with a tournament-leading four goals in three contests. His two-goal performance against Finland in his squad’s opening game earned him Player of the Match honors.
Kimbrough has now been invited to a national team program three times in 2024. He participated in Mexico’s U16 training camp in January, before being invited to last month’s United States U14 National ID Camp alongside academy goalkeeper Andy Castro. His international performance comes alongside the start of his second pro season – after a strong training camp where he contributed three goals, Kimbrough was selected to the matchday roster for Republic FC’s opening night match vs. Orange County SC at Heart Health Park. He is one of three Republic FC players invited to a national team program this season, alongside Castro and fellow homegrown pro Chibi Ukaegbu, who participated in the U.S. U17 National Team camp in March.
Kimbrough will be available for selection this weekend, as Republic FC heads to the Rockies to face off with Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC at Weidner Field. Kickoff is set for 5:00 p.m. PT and the match be broadcast live in English and Spanish on Antenna TV 40.2 and streaming on FOX40.com and through the FOX40 News mobile app.
