(Story courtesy of Trinity University Sports Information)
SAN ANTONIO, Texas - The Paul McGinlay Soccer Field served as a training site for the U.S. Men's National Team April 12-13. The nation's best players were preparing for their showdown with Mexico at the Alamodome.
A sold-out crowd of 65,000 fervent fans is expected to attend the electrifying event on Wednesday, April 15. This marks the first time the U.S. National Men's Team visited the Alamo City. As a bonus, "El Tri Color" - the national team of Mexico - also used Trinity's facility for a two-hour workout on April 14.
Trinity head men's soccer Coach Paul McGinlay said the presence of the 22 players from the U.S. National Team was beneficial to the Tiger men's and women's players. The nationally ranked Tigers were able to observe the U.S. men extensively, and were visited by the coach, Jurgen Klinsmann.
"It's inspiring for them to see the best players in the country kicking the ball around on our field," Coach McGinlay said. "It's so motivating to see them training on the field they know so well."
Sophomore Callum Squires is a native of England and plays for the Tiger men's team. Squires drew some comparisons with the training style of the national team and the rigors of Trinity's daily practices. He also was excited to have the players on his turf.
"It's special to see first-hand the guys we aspire to be like," Squires said. "Everyone who plays for a program as prestigious as Trinity's has a dream of playing professionally. It was good to have them in such close quarters. It was inspiring to draw parallels between the two teams. You can see the direct link to the practices we have, and what they do."
Emily Donnan, a junior and member of Trinity's women's soccer team, said she and her teammates benefited from watching America's finest players.
"We watched them play 'keep away,'" Donnan said. "It was one of the most amazing experiences, because they moved the ball so quickly. They are so full of energy. I think that is something our team can learn a lot from."
Trinity has hosted two other U.S. Men's National Teams in training - the Under-17 and Under-20 squads - but it was the first time the full unit came to campus. In October 2013, the women's national teams of the U.S. and Australia used Trinity as a training site. Coach McGinlay added there has been a "track history of national teams being here."
Mike Kammarman of U.S. Soccer's communications staff said Trinity was the perfect locale for the pre-match training and preparation.
"The USA-Mexico rivalry is something special," said Kammarman, who has worked for U.S. Soccer for 14 years. "When the national team comes into town, we have a very limited amount of time to get organized. The environment we train in is significant. Trinity has been an outstanding host, to the facilities and the incredibly accomodating staff that made us feel welcome. For a game like this, that is critical."
Trinity players and a number of soccer aficionados were not the only ones watching the practices. A plethora of media were present for pre-training news conferences with the coaches and players. The list included local TV stations, the San Antonio Express-News, ESPN, and Azteca, from Mexico.
Video journalist Jack Greene often covers Trinity athletics events for sister stations KABB-TV and WOAI-TV. He is very familiar with Trinity's teams and facilities. Greene also recognizes the significance of the U.S.-Mexico matchup.
"It brings light to soccer in San Antonio,' Greene said of the match. "It's growing in popularity. I think an MLS (Major League Soccer) team will certainly be looking at this. I also think Trinity has one of the best fields in San Antonio. The layout is great, it's natural grass, and very intimate and cozy. I enjoy shooting the Trinity men's and women's teams here."
