COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (Wednesday, January 29, 2014) – Colorado Rapids Academy defender Sam Vines of Colorado Springs has been selected to the United States Under-15 Boys’ national team for a week-long training camp in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, from Jan. 31-Feb. 9. Vines, 14, is one of 20 players picked by head coach Hugo Perez for the camp, which will feature matches against Al Jazira FC on Feb. 3, Oman on Feb. 4 and the United Arab Emirates on Feb. 6 and 8.
“Because of the drastic changes that occur with young players it is sometimes difficult for players identified in youth national teams to stay in the program,” said Brian Crookham, the Rapids’ Senior Director of Youth Development. “The fact that Sammy is a consistent member of the group is a testament to the work he is putting in on a daily basis. It is a source of pride any time one of our players represents our country in competition.”
Vines, a left back, is the youngest player currently on the roster for the Rapids Under-16 Team, which is halfway through the 2013-14 season in the Development Academy. He has previously been called up to several U.S. U-15 camps, most recently in October of 2013 for a week-long stint in Carson, Calif.
The Rapids have opened their preseason, and will depart for Houston on Friday, where they will face the Dynamo on February 2 in the team’s first friendly match. Colorado is also set to participate in the Las Vegas ProSoccer Challenge and the Desert Diamond Cup presented by Tucson FC. To purchase season tickets for the Rapids’ 2014 campaign, visit www.ColoradoRapids.com or call 303-825-GOAL.
