Falcon Men's Soccer Visits Costa Rica
6/22/2017 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
June 22, 2017 
Over the course of the seven-day trip, the Falcons played in three international matches and hosted soccer clinics for local Costa Rican youth throughout the greater San Jose area.
"I think the soccer environment was a complete shock to the majority of the team," explained senior midfielder Isaac Strever. "The Costa Rican style of play affected certain players in different ways. Players that relied more on their physical ability had a rough time because physicality and contact was not allowed. Players that struggled with tough pressure had an amazing experience because they were able to perform without getting bumped off of the ball," Strever continued. "With that being said, playing in the new environment allowed each player to make improvements in their own ways."
The Falcons went 2-0-1 on their week-long excursion, tying the first game, 2-2, and winning the second and third with healthy margins. However, it wasn't the trip to the beach or the taste of victory on foreign soil that brought the men's soccer team satisfaction; there was a greater calling for the cadet-athletes in Costa Rica. When the team wasn't competing against the local talent, they were building life-long memories with young Costa Rican footballers.
"One of the happiest days of my life was when we played with the kids from Orotina," exclaimed senior midfielder, Oscar Chacon. "Being able to share time and experiences with people from a less fortunate economic background was amazing. On the field we found that we were all the same, our nationality and background didn't separate us—soccer brought us together."
"We held a soccer clinic at one of the local soccer fields where around 50 elementary school age kids came to participate," explained senior defender Tristan Conrad. "At the end we played a full-field game, with both cadets and kids, in the pouring rain and lightning; and by the end everyone was covered in mud and having the time of the time of their lives. There is no greater feeling in the world than being able to bring a smile to kids' faces, as well as their parents in the stands, especially in a place that doesn't share the same basic amenities we have at home."
"Growing up, I often heard the love of soccer brings people together," explained Strever. "It wasn't until I was playing with these kids that I saw absolute truth to this statement. These kids do not have much but it was apparent all they needed was a ball, a field and each other to have the time of their lives."
Following the clinic, the Falcons took the opportunity to bond with their new friends. The Falcons autographed memorabilia and left behind some memorable keepsakes with the overjoyed youth. After several sessions of chitchat and play the team eventually parted ways with their new Costa Rican friends. Albeit the team had a lot less team apparel in their bags on the return-trip, they had gained something more; appreciation and admiration for each other.
"The team chemistry took massive strides forward during the trip," proclaimed Conrad. "Most players found themselves spending time with players from other classes. The experience really took the focus off of soccer which allowed teammates to gravitate to others based on personal hobbies, different preferences in food, or favorite movies."
"It seemed as though the freshmen finally felt like they were able to contribute to the team both on and off the field," proclaims Chacon. "I know that as a freshman I sometimes felt like I wasn't close with the seniors because I didn't travel with the varsity team but this trip brought us all a lot closer."
"Without a doubt, the team chemistry had improved greatly because of this trip," explained Strever. "This trip allowed me to get to know the rest of my team on a personal level beyond soccer. We all now have a stronger bond between us and I believe that will translate to an even more successful season next fall."
The Air Force men's soccer team recently travelled to Costa Rica's greater San Jose region for an unforgettable summer experience, both on and off the pitch. "This is the first time we have taken a foreign tour as a team," said head coach Doug Hill. "A lot of barriers within the team were broken down over the trip, it was great to see the guys bond the way they did."
Over the course of the seven-day trip, the Falcons played in three international matches and hosted soccer clinics for local Costa Rican youth throughout the greater San Jose area.
"I think the soccer environment was a complete shock to the majority of the team," explained senior midfielder Isaac Strever. "The Costa Rican style of play affected certain players in different ways. Players that relied more on their physical ability had a rough time because physicality and contact was not allowed. Players that struggled with tough pressure had an amazing experience because they were able to perform without getting bumped off of the ball," Strever continued. "With that being said, playing in the new environment allowed each player to make improvements in their own ways."
The Falcons went 2-0-1 on their week-long excursion, tying the first game, 2-2, and winning the second and third with healthy margins. However, it wasn't the trip to the beach or the taste of victory on foreign soil that brought the men's soccer team satisfaction; there was a greater calling for the cadet-athletes in Costa Rica. When the team wasn't competing against the local talent, they were building life-long memories with young Costa Rican footballers.
"One of the happiest days of my life was when we played with the kids from Orotina," exclaimed senior midfielder, Oscar Chacon. "Being able to share time and experiences with people from a less fortunate economic background was amazing. On the field we found that we were all the same, our nationality and background didn't separate us—soccer brought us together."
"We held a soccer clinic at one of the local soccer fields where around 50 elementary school age kids came to participate," explained senior defender Tristan Conrad. "At the end we played a full-field game, with both cadets and kids, in the pouring rain and lightning; and by the end everyone was covered in mud and having the time of the time of their lives. There is no greater feeling in the world than being able to bring a smile to kids' faces, as well as their parents in the stands, especially in a place that doesn't share the same basic amenities we have at home."
"Growing up, I often heard the love of soccer brings people together," explained Strever. "It wasn't until I was playing with these kids that I saw absolute truth to this statement. These kids do not have much but it was apparent all they needed was a ball, a field and each other to have the time of their lives."
Following the clinic, the Falcons took the opportunity to bond with their new friends. The Falcons autographed memorabilia and left behind some memorable keepsakes with the overjoyed youth. After several sessions of chitchat and play the team eventually parted ways with their new Costa Rican friends. Albeit the team had a lot less team apparel in their bags on the return-trip, they had gained something more; appreciation and admiration for each other.
"It seemed as though the freshmen finally felt like they were able to contribute to the team both on and off the field," proclaims Chacon. "I know that as a freshman I sometimes felt like I wasn't close with the seniors because I didn't travel with the varsity team but this trip brought us all a lot closer."
"Without a doubt, the team chemistry had improved greatly because of this trip," explained Strever. "This trip allowed me to get to know the rest of my team on a personal level beyond soccer. We all now have a stronger bond between us and I believe that will translate to an even more successful season next fall."
Players Mentioned
Midfielder
/ Men's Soccer
Defender
/ Men's Soccer
Midfielder
/ Men's SoccerPathways: An Air Force Men's Soccer Alumni Story
Monday, February 02
Why Join the Air Force Academy
Monday, February 02
Air Force Soccer Facilities: Prepare Here. Perform Anywhere
Thursday, January 15
Falcons draw 1-1 against South Dakota Mines
Sunday, September 14
