Bergan O’Connell
Executive Theme Editor
The Under-18 Women’s U.S. National Team traveled to Belfast, Ireland on October 13-24 to participate in the 2016 Women’s International Cup.
Senior Viviana Villacorta went to a domestic training camp at the Chula Vista Olympic training center in September and was selected by U.S. Soccer Women’s Technical Director April Heinrichs to represent USA. Villacorta was among one of the six midfielders selected to play.
“My favorite part of the trip was definitely getting to know all of my teammates and building our team chemistry on and off the field,“ Villacorta said. “I feel really honored to have been chosen to represent the USA in this international tournament. There are no words to describe when you’re wearing the crest and hearing the national anthem, knowing you’re representing the greatest country in the world.”
USA opened the tournament against England on Oct 18, at the Ballymena Showgrounds. They fell to the England Under-19 WNT with a 2-1 loss.
“England was a very technical and aggressive team to compete against,” Villacorta said. “We matched them in skill but they put in extra effort that we didn’t put forth which ultimately lead to their success. We know what we need to fix next time we play them“
The USA then faced France on Oct. 20, at Mourneview Park. They defeated the France Under-19 WNT with a score of 3-1. Villacorta said this was their toughest game.
“The french team is one of our hardest competitors,” Villacorta said. ”They are predicted to win the World Cup. Knowing this, we prepared ourselves mentally and physically at trainings. Because they are such a challenge, this was a really fun win.“
USA finished their trip playing against the Northern Ireland team on Oct. 23 at the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park. Villacorta started in this match and helped the US clutch a 3-0 win over the Irish Under-19 WNT. The third goal in the 72nd minute was off a quick counter attack as Villacorta dribbled at the Irish defense and played a through ball to a forward who finished the goal.
“This was my first assist in an international game,” Villacorta said. “When I saw the opportunity of open space I served our forward a through ball and it was a relief when she scored. I was so excited that I gave it my all and got the result I wanted.”
Villacorta now has her eyes set on the U-20 WNT World Cup in 2018. There are national team training camps every other month. She hopes to get called to these camps and eventually be selected for the World Cup team when it comes time.
“I just need to keep working hard and preparing myself for national team training camps,” Villacorta said. “If i continue to get called into training and prove myself there, I hope I will get chosen for the World Cup roster it would be the experience of a lifetime that I’m hopeful I get to take part in.”
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