The US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program (US Youth Soccer ODP) Girls competed in their first international games today in San Jose, Costa Rica, as part of the Torneo Femenino Internacional.
US Youth Soccer Girls 1993 Region III team dominated in their game against Trinidad and Tobago, winning 9:1. Taylor Swift scored early in the 2nd minute to start the game off at a fast pace. Trinidad and Tobago then tied the game at 1:1. Region III reorganized themselves and Gilda Doria found the back of the net in the 17th minute to retake the lead. After that the goals came quickly as Region III found their beat and took advantage of the finishing opportunities that they had been missing at the US Youth Soccer ODP Thanksgiving Interregional. Morgan Brian’s goal in the 20th minute was followed by a goal in the 32nd by Allison Smith (South Texas.) Smith came out strong again in the second half and completed her hat trick with goals in the 59th and 64th minutes. Shelby Payne and Tess Payton finished the game with goals of their own in the 76th and 81st minutes respectively. Smith was voted MVP of the match.
US Youth Soccer Girls 1993 Region III team is playing with 12 players from the US Youth Soccer ODP Thanksgiving Interregional and six new players from the US Youth Soccer U15/U16 Developmental Camp. Assistant Coach Aaron Metzger said, "The six new players started slow and were able to adjust. This week they will be beneficial to our game."
Region III recognized that they played very well at the Thanksgiving Interregional, but they were unable to take advantage of finishing opportunities. Their hope is that this new mix of players will communicate and work together … so far the team appears to be on the right track.
