Michael Pellegrino called into U.S. U16 team

Philadelphia Union Academy midfielder Michael Pellegrino will get a chance to help the U.S. try and capture back-to-back trophies in the Tournament Delle Nazioni in Italy later this month.

The 15-year-old from Wenonah, N.J. who recently made his debut with the Union U16 team in a scoreless draw against PA Classics in Manheim on April 3 is one of 20 players named to the U.S. roster by head coach Shaun Tsakiris, according to a report in Top Drawer Soccer.

Union Academy defender Rayshaun McGann was on the team that captured the tournament in Italy last season. The U.S. drew Croatia, Slovenia and Brazil in their group for the 13th edition of the tournament. they play Croatia on April 25 at 10 a.m., Slovenia at 10 a.m. on April 26 and Brazil on April 27 at 11 a.m.

Pellegrino has made 12 starts in 12 appearances for the Union U14 team, scoring five goals. He's made three appearances for the U16 team, coming off the bench in a 3-3 draw with NJCSA and in a 5-0 win over Empire United last weekend.