GLENDALE, Ariz. – Former Elon University men's soccer player Daniel Lovitz '13 earned the start and his first cap in his first international call-up to represent his country as a member of the US Men's National Team in the team's friendly versus Panama on Sunday night, Jan. 27, at State Farm Stadium.
 
Lovitz, currently a member of Major League Soccer's (MLS) Montreal Impact, started the match at left back and played the full 90 minutes in the contest as USA defeated Panama, 3-0, in the exhibition. Lovitz was one of five players that was making their first appearance for the national team, tying a record previously set on Sept. 3, 1992 against Canada.
 
One of the highlights from Lovitz came from inside the 37^th minute. Lovitz sent in a cross from the left side into the box where it found the head of Gyasi Zardes. The Columbus Crew striker just missed the target however as the ball sailed high over the goal. He also made a great tackle in the 84^th minute of the game as Panama pushed forward for a scoring opportunity.
 
Lovitz became the highest-drafted player from Elon in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft after being selected 24th overall by Toronto FC. The Wyndmoor, Pa., native played three seasons with Toronto FC including during the team's run to the MLS Cup in 2016 along with fellow Phoenix alum Clint Irwin '11.
 
In 2017, Lovitz signed with Montreal Impact, and has played a major role for the squad on its backline, mostly at left back. He was named the Impact Defender of the Year in 2017 and continued his strong play this past season, playing in 31 games with 29 stars while adding five assists and his first career goal on a game-winner versus the Chicago Fire.
 
A four-year letterwinner with the Phoenix from 2010-13, Lovitz helped the Phoenix to four conference championships including three straight tournament titles. He also helped Elon to three NCAA Tournament appearances and was named the Southern Conference Player of the Year in 2013.
 
Next, Lovitz and the USMNT will face regional foe Costa Rica on Saturday, Feb. 2 at Avaya Stadium in San Jose, Calif. Kickoff for USA-Costa Rica is set for 3:30 p.m. ET, with the match to be broadcast on FOX, UniMas and UDN.