Girls id2 National Selection Team finishes International Tour with perfect record

MADRID, Spain – In the fourth and final game of the 2024 id2 National Selection International Tour, the id2 girls team defeated Madrid CFF’s U-15 academy team, 3-1. The delegation finished its Spanish journey with a 4-0-0 record.

Ella Carr (Sting SC) started the scoring, finding the back of the net in the 5th minute, assisted by Tatum Gardner (Arizona Arsenal). The id2 team had a few chances to extend its advantage in the first half, but Madrid CFF settled in defensively to keep it 1-0 at intermission.

The second half would prove more successful offensively, as both teams found the back of the net. Gigi Zuniga (Pajaro Valley Youth SC) scored in the 44th minute after intercepting the opponent’s pass in the midfield and beating several defenders before finding the back of the net. Marley Skalski (WNY Flash Academy) would continue the id2 team’s offensive success with a goal in the 60th minute via a valiant solo effort. Madrid CFF continued to press the id2 defensive line, eventually scoring in the 72nd minute, but it would not be enough to overcome the deficit. The id2 team tallied eight shots on goals and four saves from goalkeeper Farrah Burkholder (Challenge SC).

FINAL. 🔥

That’s a wrap on our international tour of Spain 🇪🇸 What a trip and what a squad. 4-0, babyyyyy! #id2soccer pic.twitter.com/kwXE56chxb

— US Club Soccer (@USClubSoccer) April 17, 2024

The 2024 id2 National Selection girls team faced four worthy challengers in Spain, splitting its time between Barcelona and Madrid:

The matches took the teams to several sites in Spain, which speaks to the value of cultural immersion on this trip. These clubs offered unique training styles and developmental experiences that the id2 National Selection team saw first-hand. Cultural immersion isn’t limited to matches and training sessions, though; the American delegation also attended professional men’s and women’s games and toured stadiums and museums in Barcelona and Madrid.

The 2024 id2 National Selection International Tour (girls) officially began April 5 with a two-day domestic camp in Virginia before traveling to Barcelona for the first half of the Spain stay and then Madrid for the remainder. The tour, which concludes April 18, represents the final progression of the current id2 age group cycle targeting players born in 2010.

The id2 National Selection boys squad is currently touring Portugal, facing a quartet of opponents in Lisbon and Porto. For updates on the boys trip, please visit the 2024 id2 International Tours web page and browse Instagram for video and photo content.

The id2 Program is a leader in player identification and development, as it provides opportunities for elite athletes to be identified, developed and scouted for inclusion in U.S. Soccer’s youth national team programming. The id2 Program is an Olympic Development Program approved by the United States Olympic Committee and the U.S. Soccer Federation.

There is no cost for players to participate or be scouted, and all meals, lodging and gear are provided by US Club Soccer and Nike. For the international tour, all travel costs are also covered by US Club Soccer. This approach to eliminating barriers to entry helps ensure the best players are able to participate.