Loyola Blakefield soccer standout Gavin Barger has been selected to train with the U.S. under-18 men's national team this week in Carson, Calif.
Barger is a four-year starter and two-year captain at midfield for the No. 2 Dons, who are 13-3-1 going into Friday's game at No. 1 McDonogh. He has 11 goals and six assists this season.
The training camp began Thursday and will continue through Oct. 31. Barger will return to Loyola's lineup for the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association A Conference playoffs. The Dons are currently in second place with a 10-2-1 league mark.
"Any time you have a chance to represent our country at any level is a great honor," Loyola coach Lee Tschantret said. "Putting that shirt on is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."