We are proud to announce that Jacob Hiciano, a rising star from our MLS NEXT U14 boys team, has represented our club with distinction at the U.S. Soccer Talent ID Center in Wayne, New Jersey, which took place on October 1st.
The U.S. Soccer Talent ID Centers are pivotal in the national team’s development infrastructure, aiming to spot top talents through a rigorous training and evaluation process that mirrors the Youth National Team camps.
Jacob was handpicked to attend one of these coveted single-day events, which are essential steppingstones on the journey to the Youth National Team, due to his standout skills and unwavering dedication to the sport.
Reflecting on the opportunity, Jacob shared his excitement and gratitude:
“I felt grateful for the opportunity to showcase my skills for the USYNT Talent ID Center. My experiences at LISC have played an important role in getting me to this point. The high level of competition at LISC has constantly pushed me to improve. The coaching and support I’ve received have been pivotal in shaping my abilities and preparing me for such prestigious evaluations.”
During the Talent ID Center, young athletes are tested through various challenging drills and scenarios, designed to push players to their limits and bring the best out of them. Jacob excelled particularly in a 1v1 defensive exercise:
“I had a standout moment during a 1v1 defensive drill,” said Jacob. “I was able to read my opponent’s movements and react quickly, winning the ball and turning it into a counterattack…The preparation I received at LISC made me feel confident in my ability to handle any situations during the games.”
Jacob’s performance at the Talent ID Center is not just a personal achievement but also a testament to the quality of training and mentorship provided at LISC. His dedication to improvement and focus on mental fortitude signal an athlete mature beyond his years.
With this experience, Jacob plans to further refine his approach to training: “The experience has given me new perspectives on how to approach my training at LISC and where I can continue to grow.”
We congratulate Jacob on his success and look forward to supporting him as he uses this experience to continue his development.
