PWSI standout, U-15 national teamer Eric Calvillo makes “bittersweet” choice between U.S., Mexican roots

Prince William Soccer, Inc. Under-13/14 Development Academy standout Eric Calvillo loves those nights watching the Mexican national team on TV. Whether it’s Andres Guardado, Chicharito Hernandez or Giovani Dos Santos taking the stage, when El Tri is on TV, he and his family are watching. Both of his parents are from Mexico, and Eric treasures his Mexican heritage.

But now, he suits up for El Tri’s biggest rival.

Calvillo, 15 (sometimes referred to as Eric Valentine Calvillo to distinguish him from the Californian U-17 national teamer of the same name), is a member of the United States U-15 National Team pool and the U-15 Futsal National Team. A product of Manassas, Virginia, he holds dual U.S. and Mexican citizenship.

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“As we all cheer and support the Mexican national team, the USA is our most hated rival team,” Eric’s father, Beny Calvillo, recently told SoccerWire.com. “Never did we think he would end up on the other side.

“So for our son to represent the U.S. was a bittersweet moment, And to top it off, he now plays for two USA national teams. We still have not told some family members back home about this, just because we will not hear the end of it.”

All the same, his national team call-up was a dream come true for the talented midfielder.

“My goal is to keep getting called back into the camps and being invited for international trips. My more long term goal is to one day be playing in the World Cup with the national team,” Eric said.

The young player learned his technique and comfort in tight spaces during his street soccer and futsal days in Mexico, much of which was spent at local parks and tennis courts, while also playing with the academy team at traditional powerhouse Chivas Guadalajara over summer breaks.

On the pitch, the ball sticks to Eric’s foot. His touch and vision grab the observer’s attention, as does his startling speed.

“From the dirt fields of Mexico with rocks for goals to the streets of Virginia, he has seen and experienced the different styles, cultures and passion for futbol,” his father said. “He has been playing with the Chivas academy in Mexico over the summers, [in] 3-on-3 tourneys up and down the east coast [and] travel soccer with PWSI since he was five years old, along with futsal.

“It has made him into a very skilled and passionate player.”

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The family says PWSI trained him well and has been a big part in his growth. His father says Calvillo has been contacted by professional clubs in Mexico, the United Kingdom and Colombia offering him trial opportunities to join their youth academies.

“We will just have to give him all the support that he needs so he can make a smart decision,” his dad said.

In the future, he hopes to make a big impact on the professional level, but whether it’s in the U.S. or Mexico remains to be seen.

“I’m pretty satisfied with playing with U.S. teams for now. But it would be an honor and another great experience for me to try out or get noticed by the Mexico team,” Eric said. “Deciding what national team to play for will always depend on the type of environment they put me in and what team likes my style of play and how well the coaches work with me.

“So for now I am not one-sided with the USA or Mexico, and I’m always interested to play with either one.”