The Sounders FC has gotten in the habit of adding players for their Academy to the list of contributors to the US National Teams youth pools.

On Monday, another name was added to the list as Jalen Markey received his first call to play with the U-18 National Team in their January training camp that runs from January 2-9 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

Also taking part in January camps is Sean Okoli, a Sounders Academy product who will play for the U-20 National Team.

“That’s a testament to their hard work and the Sounders are very proud of them,” said Sounders FC director of youth development Darren Sawatzky.

Markey is an imposing center back who has helped the Sounders FC U-16s to a 10-2-2 record and has three goals on the young season. He caught the attention of US U-18 coach Richie Williams at the US Soccer Development Academy Winter Showcase in Ft. Lauderdale last month. He was named to all-star game, where he played right back and picked up an assist.

Okoli was solid in his Wake Forest freshman campaign, scoring four goals to go with three assists to help the Demon Deacons to an 8-8-5 record. Their season ended with a 2-0 loss to James Madison in the NCAA Tournament.