id2 National Selection girls team debuts in England with win over Everton FC U-16 Academy
WIDNES, England (April 4, 2023) – In the first-ever international game of the id2 Girls Program, the id2 National Selection team defeated Everton FC’s U-16 Academy team, 7-0, at Halton Stadium. It’s the first of four opponents the ’09 squad will face in England this week.
Felicity Nguyen (SoCal Blues) led the scoring with a first half hat trick. Brielle Hernandez (Challenge SC) added a goal in the 13th minute and an assist 15 minutes later to Jordyn Heathcock (Oklahoma Energy SC). Siena Sanchez (MN Thunder Academy) and Miliani Makasini (Bay Area Surf) each added a goal. Kaia Maloian (Rush West HI) provided two assists. The id2 girls team and Everton FC were scoreless for the first 10 minutes, before Nguyen broke the tie and opened the flurry of goals.
The opponents of the 2023 id2 National Selection boys and girls teams in England are as follows:
- April 3 vs. Leeds United FC (boys only): 3-0 W
- April 4 vs. Everton FC (girls only): 7-0 W
- April 6 vs. West Bromwich Albion FC
- April 8 vs. AFC Wimbledon (boys only)
- April 8 vs. Haringey Girls Academy (girls only)
- April 10 vs. Oxford United FC
The id2 National Selection girls squad plays the U-16 teams of their academy opponents, except for the Haringey Girls Academy U-15 team.
The matches take the teams to several sites in England, 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 Manchester and London.
The 2023 id2 National Selection International Tour officially began March 30 with a two-day domestic camp in New Jersey before traveling to Manchester for the first half of the England stay and then London for the remainder. The tour, which concludes April 11, represents the final progression of the current id2 age group cycle targeting players born in 2009.
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 2023 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.
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A National Association member of the U.S. Soccer Federation, US Club Soccer fosters the growth and development of soccer clubs in order to create the best possible environment for players of all ages.
Anchored by Players First and its pillars of Club Development, Coaching Development, Player Development, Referee Development, Parent Engagement and Player Health & Safety, US Club Soccer offers registration, league- and cup-based competition platforms, player identification and a variety of other programming, resources and services.
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