id2 boys defeat Sporting CP, travel to Porto for remaining two games of 2024 id2 International Tour

LISBON, Portugal (April 17, 2024) – In the second game of the 2024 id2 National Selection International Tour, the id2 boys team defeated Sporting Clube de Portugal’s U-14 academy team at the academy’s famed training grounds, 3-0. The game concluded the American delegation’s stay in Lisbon, and the group now faces two final opponents in Porto.

Just as they had down in their first game against Real Sport Clube, the id2 boys played three 25-minute periods to maximize substitutions. The first period proved scoreless with both teams learning their opponent’s formations and strengths and making adjustments. In the second 25-minute session, though, Charlie Winship (Woodside Crush) broke the deadlock with a goal, finishing a cross from Arul Kulkarni (Laguna United FC) in the 38th minute. In the final period, the id2 National Selection team struck early with a goal in the 51st minute to extend its lead. Jax Padgett (Association Football Club) buried an assist from Deshnick Nkeh (FC Sonora), and then 14 minutes later, the Americans would put the game out of reach with a third goal, this time Nkeh scoring after rebounding his own saved shot attempt. Nathaniel Houston (Sporting Columbus) found Nkeh in found of the goal to set up the opportunity. Goalkeeper Joscarlyn Gonzalez Mejia had a terrific diving save in the second period, keeping a free kick from cutting into the id2 team’s lead.

Entering the friendly, Sporting CP was 18-2-3 in its league, led by an impressive 5.39 goals scored per game average and only 0.96 goals conceded per game average.

The 2024 id2 National Selection boys team faces four worthy challengers in Portugal, splitting its time between Lisbon and Porto:

• April 15 vs. Real Sport Clube
• April 17 vs. Sporting CP
• April 18 vs. FC Porto
• April 19 vs. Lomarense Ginásio Clube

The matches take the teams to several sites in Portugal, which speaks to the value of cultural immersion on this trip. These clubs offer unique training styles and developmental experiences that the id2 National Selection teams will see first-hand. Cultural immersion isn’t limited to matches and training sessions, though; the American delegation will also attend professional men’s and women’s games and tour stadiums in Lisbon and Porto.

The 2024 id2 National Selection International Tour (boys) officially began April 10 with a two-day domestic camp in New Jersey before traveling to Lisbon for the first half of the Portugal stay and then Porto for the remainder. The tour, which concludes April 21, represents the final progression of the current id2 age group cycle targeting players born in 2010.

The id2 National Selection girls squad is currently touring Spain, facing a quartet of opponents in Barcelona and Madrid. For updates on the girls trip, please visit the 2024 id2 International Tours web page and browse Instagram for video and photo content.

The id2 Program is a leader in player identification and development, as it provides opportunities for elite athletes to be identified, developed and scouted for inclusion in U.S. Soccer’s youth national team programming. The id2 Program is an Olympic Development Program approved by the United States Olympic Committee and the U.S. Soccer Federation. There is no cost for players to participate or be scouted, and all meals, lodging and gear are provided by US Club Soccer and Nike. For the international tour, all travel costs are also covered by US Club Soccer. This approach to eliminating barriers to entry helps ensure the best players are able to participate.

Follow @USClubSoccer throughout the 2024 id2 National Selection International Tour on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube for coverage. A highlight video of each game will be available on social media.