CASA GRANDE, Ariz. — The first day of matches for the id2 Training Program at Grande Sports World bore witness to plenty of skill, speed, high soccer IQ and toughness. If this selected group is some of the best and brightest of U-13 boys in the nation, then the future of U.S. Soccer looks promising.
Here are a few players who stood out in Day 1 (in alphabetical order):
Kenny Amaral, East Bay United
Amaral was the best center back and pure defender on the field through the first day of matches. At first, he used his tremendous speed and track back quickness to eliminate threats. Then he showed he could square up with an attacker and tackle the ball away as well as play the right pass from the back.
