LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville City FC (5-1-2, 17 points) midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye earned his first international invitation by Canada Soccer, the federation announced Monday. The 21-year-old has been named to Canada’s 18-player squad for the Men’s U-23 camp and Caribbean tour.
Kaye, who remained in his native Toronto after LouCity’s 2-0 victory on Wednesday, will join all 18 professionals this week before heading to Guyana and Grenada for a pair of international matches.
“I received a call last Saturday night from Canada Soccer, and they told me the technical staff had been impressed by what I’ve been able to accomplish and that they wanted to bring me in for a camp,” Kaye said. “It’s a big thing. For young Canadians, its such an honor to put on that jersey and represent your country. I’m ready for the challenge and experience ahead.”
The 10-day camp will be held May 10-19, with stops in Toronto; Georgetown, Guyana; and St. George’s, Grenada. The Canadian U-23 squad will face the national “A” squads of both Guyana (May 15 ) and Grenada (May 18).
“We’re obviously delighted for Mark-Anthony,” Louisville City FC coach James O’Connor said. “Every player dreams of putting on their national team jersey and competing for their country, and Mark-Anthony has certainly put performed well. He’s earned it and I look forward to seeing his quality on the field with Canada.”
Kaye, one of LouCity’s 11 newcomers for the 2016 season, has appeared in six of first-place LouCity’s eight matches — logging 435 minutes. He scored his first Louisville City goal at a crucial moment, clinching three points in stoppage time at Harrisburg City Islanders on April 22. He delivered his first LouCity assist against Pittsburgh Riverhounds on April 27 at Louisville Slugger Field.
“I can safely say that coming to a Club like Louisville City — one that’s known and respected around the league with a coach like (O’Connor) — put me into the position for this call up,” Kaye said. “I came here to put the team and myself in a position to achieve very high and specific goals. Louisville is a major factor in everything that’s happening.”
He ranks second on Louisville City’s roster with 17 shots (7 on-goal) since joining Louisville City on January 13.
Kaye signed his first professional contract with Toronto FC II in 2015, appearing in 22 matches after being loaned to Wilmington Hammerheads in 2014 where he made seven appearances with two goals.
The 6-foot-1 Canadian entered the TFC Academy in 2013, making nine appearances with one goal, after two years at York University. During 2012-13, he was named OUA Rookie of the Year, CIS second-team All-Canadian and OUA first-team All-Stars.
Both Guyana and Grenada are preparing for Caribbean Cup matches in June. Guyana will face Curaçao and U.S. Virgin Islands in Group 3 while Grenada will face Puerto Rico and Antigua & Barbuda in Group 1. These Caribbean Cup matches serve as part of the qualification route for the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
While with Canada, Kaye will miss LouCity’s Kings Cup meeting with Saint Louis FC on May 14 (7:30 p.m. | TICKETS) and the Club’s second-round Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup match at Bellarmine University on May 18 (7 p.m. | TICKETS).
Fans can stay up to date with all of Louisville City’s breaking news, roster updates and ticketing information by following the Club on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Season tickets are available for Louisville City’s historic second season via the Club’s official website.
