Kempin Plays for US

For those who haven't heard about Jon Kempin's recent accolades, check out the pictures and press release below about his appearances with the US Under-20 National Team last week. He's also taking a trip to Israel with the US Under-18 National Team next week. Congrats, Jon!

Sporting Kansas City goalkeeper Jon Kempin, the team’s first Home Grown Player, was selected to the United States Under-20 National Team last week for two matches in the Torneo de las Americas in Kennesaw, Georgia. Kempin started both matches and played every minute in the tournament, a round-robin invitational featuring Colombia and Mexico. Kempin made six saves against Colombia on Friday in his first-ever appearance for the Under-20 team, as the United States fell 3-1 in penalty kicks following a 1-1 draw in regulation. On Sunday, Kempin recorded eight saves in another 1-1 draw before the United States dropped a 4-2 penalty kick shootout against Mexico.

Kempin, one of two goalkeepers on the 18-player roster, joined Thomas Rongen's squad for his first under-20 selection after previously participating at the under-18 level and taking part in the U.S. Soccer Under-17 Residency Program. The 17-year-old from Leawood, Kansas has played in all four U.S. Soccer Development Academy games for the u18 Juniors this year and flew immediately following a u18 match against the Dallas Texans to join the Under-20 National Team. Kempin will return to action with the u18 Juniors in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy Winter Showcase in Phoenix this weekend and was selected to the 1992/93 Academy Select team for the second straight year.

Following the Winter Showcase, Kempin will fly to Tel Aviv, Israel after accepting an invitation from the United States Under-18 National Team for games against France, Germany and Israel under head coach Mike Matkovich.