Sean McDonald
Staff Writer
For most people, a trip to another country is the experience of a lifetime let alone competing for your country in a sport.
For junior Max Taylor, a member of the Mira Costa soccer team, this dream became a reality over Winter break, when Taylor, along with 16 others competed for the United States at the Pan American Maccabi games, also known as the Jewish Olympics, held in Santiago, Chile.
“Overall it was a really great experience,” Taylor said. “I got to play my favorite sport for my country in a completely different environment.”
Taylor spent about a week and a half there, arriving December 26 and ending the tournament on January 5. Taylor traveled there with other soccer teams that were going to compete from the United States, varying in age group, including a younger division team and two older teams as well as four women’s teams. Taylor played in the Youth Men’s Division which is comprised of 17-18 year olds.
“I am on the younger side of the division, so I didn’t really know what to think entering the tournament, but once I started playing I realized I was completely prepared,” Taylor said.
The team squared off against Israel in their tournament opener, who they beat 2-0. The next day they faced Mexico playing out a 2-2 tie. Soon after, they played Argentina where they encountered their first loss, 3-1, but recovered by capturing a 1-0 victory against Chile the next day. They ended the tournament on a 2-1 loss to Brazil.
“We did well and played multiple countries that are notorious for being skilled in soccer,” Taylor said. “We went out and competed and that’s all I wanted.”
Along with soccer, Taylor and his teammates got a chance to explore the city of Santiago and got to meet a lot of kids from other countries’ teams that he played against.
“Santiago was an awesome city, it’s a great place to play soccer and it’s filled with amazing culture and people,” Taylor said. “I also was able to meet some kids from other countries which was a really great opportunity because it isn’t something you get a chance to do a lot,” Taylor said.
According to their website, the Maccabi games are a tournament designed to blend competition with a festival of culture and a celebration of world wide Judaism all into one. In Taylor’s opinion, the tournament did a fine job of making sure this happened by creating a fun tournament atmosphere with plenty of other activities outside of the tournament.
“Not only was it incredible to compete against other countries, but it was such a cool way to bond with my friends, meet new people and enjoy a completely foreign venue,” Taylor said.
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