Columbus Crew SC today announced that midfielder Justin Meram has earned a senior roster call-up from the Iraq National Team for two upcoming friendlies. Meram is on the roster for the Lions of Mesopotamia as named by Head Coach Akram Salman for matches on March 28 and 31, both against the Democratic Republic of the Congo. As a result of the call-up, Meram is slated to miss the Black & Gold’s March 28 Major League Soccer clash against the New York Red Bulls.
The midfielder has earned 11 caps for Iraq over the past five months, dating back to his first call-up by the Lions of Mesopotamia on November 10, 2014. He made his debut for the team at the 2014 Gulf Cup of Nations, where he made three appearances. He then earned a second call-up ahead of the 2015 AFC Asian Cup, where he participated in a training camp and friendlies leading up to the tournament.
At the 2015 AFC Asian Cup, Meram made substitute appearances against Jordan (January 12) and Japan (January 16) in the Group Stage. He started Iraq's final Group Stage match against Palestine (January 20), helping his side win by a 2-0 final as well as advance out of the group. He then started the team's Quarterfinals match against Iran, a contest that the Lions of Mesopotamia eventually won on penalties. He made his final appearance in the tournament during the Third Place match, coming on as a late substitute against the United Arab Emirates.
Both upcoming friendlies against DR Congo for Meram and Iraq are slated to take place at Al-Rashid Stadium in Dubai.
Following a bye week, Crew SC returns to MLS regular-season play by hosting the Red Bulls at MAPFRE Stadium on March 28. The match is set to kick-off at 7:30 p.m. ET.
