The Santana Family

Friday, January 20, 2017

US Club Soccer Id2 Training Camp, Casa Grande, AZ

I have to say...yes, I may be bias, but I admire my 14 year old daughter Abigail for being under such

immense pressure with not only academics, but to be judged, analyzed, and watched by the the US Youth Soccer National Team and some of the Top Women's College Soccer programs in the nation. Any kid at her age (14) under this kind of pressure has to be admired. I think we gloss over this too often and don't spend the time to appreciate the aspiring kids like these. Abigail has come to know more people across that nation than her family combined. She has met and befriended soccer players from the West Coast to the East Coast and states in between. She is among the elite and the best

players in the nation. They all work hard and are determined to get the invitation to the US National Team training camp (what we call being called up to US National Team). Abigail has been introduced to a level of soccer in the past 6 months most kids and their parents can't comprehend. I would argue a level of soccer most athletes don't and won't play in their lifetime. Going from being one of the best in the state, to one of the best in the region, to one of the best in the nation would be difficult for any kid this age. These players have worked so hard for this. They fight through injuries to come back fierce as ever. They miss days of school, but still average A's. Abigail spends quality time with her sisters, family and anyone who cares enough to spend time with her. She inspires me! I couldn't do these things when I was 18 let alone 14. She represents Girls Soccer! She represents Female Athletes! And she deserves it! The sad thing is...they are some of the fittest, strongest, fastest, most agile, and technical athletes around, but not enough people talk about Girls Soccer! If you can't relate and don't know what it's like, then don't judge. If you see her...give her a big hug and tell her how proud you are to call her an acquaintance, a friend, a family member, an inspiration or a teammate. She's having a difficult time right now...imagine yourself in her shoes for one day, one week, one month, or one year! How would you hold up in this environment? She needs her friends and family right now while she chases her dreams.

My final thoughts on a Friday evening as I wait to hear how Abigail's evening training session went here in Casa Grande, AZ!

Tuesday, September 06, 2016

Naperville Soccer Association (NSA) Chicago Shootout

Leah and Abigail went with their mom to Naperville, IL for the NSA Chicago Shootout. Leah played in the U14 Age Group and Abigail played with the U15 Age Group for FC United.

As Abigail and Leah both continue their journey in the game of soccer, they are both becoming aware of the importance of the subjective nature of the game. How you perform is how you carry yourself, your total contribution to the team, as well as your technical and tactical prowess. It takes 11 players on the field to be successful and they all play an important role.

Leah's Team

Leah striking a ball

Leah's team ended the tournament with a 2-1-0 record. They had 7 goals for the weekend and only allowed 2 goals against them. They played great for the first time being a blended team and a lot of chemistry to build. They faced some good competition and handled it well. Leah ended the weekend with 1 assist and playing the #3, #11, and #9 positions (Left Back, Left Mid Fielder, and Forward).

Abigail's Team

FC United U15 Girls - 2nd Place

Abigail's team ended the tournament in 2nd place after a championship match full of heart gripping moments all the way down to the final PK shootout. In the second half of regular time, down 0-1 with seconds remaining. FC United was rewarded a set piece about 10 yards outside the 18 yard box. Abigail lined up for this final set piece bending her shot over the wall and brushing past the finger tips of the keeper. This goal took the game into overtime and finally into the PK shootout to later come up just short of the win. Abigail ended the weekend with some impressive statistics. She had 5 Goals and 3 Assists. By NCAA statistics, this would equate to a total of 13 points (2 points per goal and 1 point per assist). She averaged 1.25 goals and .75 assists per game. Abigail contributed to 8 of the 11 total goals scored (73%) by the team. Abigail closed the tournament with impressive statistics any soccer player should be proud of.

The shot that took the team into the finals. The shot bent to the left and into the Upper Left (near post) 90.

I'm proud of the kids. They are both very passionate about soccer and have worked hard to improve their game.

Saturday, January 23, 2016

Abigail's Journey in Olympic Development Program (ODP)

I figured I would share more information about Abigail's journey in Olympic Development Program (ODP) which started November 2014 - present. I hope this is informative. Most people are not familiar with the ODP process and I know many would like to learn more out of curiosity. The past year has been a whirlwind of continuous change and increased pressure. I have to remind myself she is only 13 (2002 birth year).

This year's ODP Selection process was different and the following information is based on the 2015 process. Let me know if you have questions about this year's process as it compares.

The crazy journey started here...

Abigail went to the 2002 birth year age group tryouts for Iowa ODP on December 6, 2014. Abigail was selected to be in the Iowa ODP Pool of approximately 25 girls. She attended Iowa ODP training events and Abigail represented Iowa ODP in 2015 within the 2002 Age group player pool. Out of the Iowa ODP pool, 18 were chosen to represent Iowa at the Region II ODP Showcase tournament on July 9 - 12, 2015. Immediately following that event (closing ceremonies), the Region II Pool of players were named. Abigail and 2 other Iowa girls were invited to the Region II Holdover (ID) Camp on July 12th, 2015. These players stayed for another 5 days of training and evaluation. From this pool (Region II Pool) of girls, they selected 18 to represent Region II at the Boca Raton Thanksgiving Interregional Event held on November 20-26, 2015 where Region's 1 - 4 played each other. (Region II in Age Group 2002 won their pool finishing perfect 3-0) We found out she was invited to this event on September 1, 2015. Then the fun begins, if you call stress, anxiety, pressure, uncertainty and nerves fun. We put Abigail on a plane from Chicago to Ft. Lauderdale where she was in the hands of the Region II Staff those 6 days. In the end, she had fun and learned a lot.

After the Boca event, they sent out 28 US Youth National Training Camp invitations (NTC) to the 2002 age group and 18 invitations to the 2001 Age Group. Abigail leaves January 21st for NTC in Phoenix, AZ and returns January 26th. I believe they invited 28 at the 2002 age group to increase their national pool size at the younger age group to increase the chances for high quality National Team recruiting. And to help groom / prepare these kids for the possibility of US Youth National U14 / U15 / U16 / U17, etc. and college level of play.

What is a National Camp?

National Camps and Interregional events are held throughout the year at various locations in the United States. The National Team Coach or a National Staff Coach is present at these events to observe, train, and identify players for placement in the national pool or on a national team.

Videos of the Games

Below are the videos of each game and then a highlight video of Abigail's goal in the 3rd game. Keep in mind when watching some of this video that these girls are 12 and 13 years of age. All 2002 or 2003 birth year. These games were FIFA Rules so once a player is subbed out, they cannot reenter the match. Abigail didn't play much in 1st and 2nd game, but she played entire 2nd half of the 3rd game.

Region II is Red and Black

Abigail is wearing #13 jersey.

Game 1 - Region II vs Region I

Region II Wearing Red

Abigail subbed in at 57:00 and Got 1 assist at about 1:02

Game 2 - Region II vs Region IV

Region II Wearing White

Abigail came in at about 1:01 in this video.

Game 3 - Region II vs Region III

Region II Wearing White

Abigail started the 2nd Half at about 34:00 then scored at about 35:00

Here are some highlights from her final day there...

Recap from Final Match Day

2002 Girls: Region II v. Region III

On the final day of 2002 play, Region II defeated Region III 1-0 to finish perfect with three wins and zero losses this week. Region II’s Abigail Santana scored her first goal of the week to give her team the lead in the 39th minute. Region II’s defense would hold and it grabbed the 1-0 victory to finish atop of the 2002 girls age group.

Here is a link to a fun clip I edited of Abigail's goal in Boca.