Cool Spring Break

The U.S. team is sharing this hotel with three USYSA ODP Regional Teams who are here in Portugal to train, play some matches, and of course take in some Algarve Cup matches. The Region I (East), Region II (North) and Region III (South) teams are here featuring a mixture of U-17, U-16 and U-15 players. (We guess the Region IV west coast girls didn't need to come to the ocean and beach as they see it all the time). Still, it's got to be pretty cool to be so close to your heroes, as well as get to watch the National Team trainings and games from so close. It also means that the USA will have a cheering section at the Algarve Cup Final! Hopefully, these youngsters, who by virture of making their regional pools are on track to be selected to various U.S. youth national teams, can get a feel for the speed of play, athleticism and physicality of the highest levels of women's international soccer, not to mention the technical ability needed to excel this level. For now, the players are just happy to get some pics with the U.S. players. Above the Region I girls score a team photo.