Sporting KC defender Erik Palmer-Brown called up to United States U-18 national team

It’s been a whirlwind of a few days for Sporting Kansas City defender Erik Palmer-Brown.

Palmer-Brown, a 16-year-old resident of Lee’s Summit, was chosen Tuesday to the United States under-18 men’s national team roster for the 40th annual Copa del Atlantico in Spain. The U.S. team will play Spain, Argentina and Canary Islands in the tournament.

The call-up comes only five days after a report surfaced that Italian club Juventus put in a $1 million bid for Palmer-Brown, but it was rejected by Sporting KC.

On Friday, Palmer-Brown traveled with Sporting KC to its training in Tucson, Ariz. — and he played in the second half of the club’s 1-0 exhibition victory Tuesday against FC Tucson. He is the youngest signing in club history.

“It’s sad that I have to leave preseason with all the guys, but it’s also a good opportunity for me to go represent my country and play against the top nations in the world,” Palmer-Brown said.

This story was originally published January 28, 2014 at 4:22 PM with the headline "Sporting KC defender Erik Palmer-Brown called up to United States U-18 national team."