id2 National Selection boys team downs Real Sport Clube to open 2024 id2 International Tour

LISBON, Portugal (April 14, 2024) – In the opening game of the 2024 id2 National Selection International Tour, the id2 boys team defeated Real Sport Clube’s U-14 academy team, 3-0, at the Real Sport Clube Sports Complex in Queluz. It was the first of four opponents the ’10 squad will face in Portugal.

Sean de Wet (Central Washington Sounders) opened the scoring with a strike in the 13th minute, assisted by Riyad Elaissami (Sporting Columbus). Five minutes later, Arul Kulkarni (Laguna United FC) found the back of the net off a successful set piece. Jax Padgett (Association Football Club) provided the assist. The teams played three 25-minute periods, but after considerable firepower in the first period, the second and third periods settled down. The id2 National Selection team’s midfield was steady throughout the game, keeping the ball in Real Sport Clube’s half for much of the game. In the second period, Carter Biondollio (Laguna United FC) buried a cross into the box by de Wet in the 38th minute for insurance and what would hold as the final score. Goalkeeper Elliott Ingber (PDA) was responsible for the clean sheet.

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

• April 14 vs. Real Sport Clube
• April 17 vs. Sporting Lisbon
• 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.