Well right now I'm about to board on the plane and couldn't be more excited to go back to Miami! Anyway the reason I'm going back home to Miami is that the U20s are in a tournaments and the season doesn't begin for about another month, so instead of training with only Edu in what I believe was a reduced training enviorment, I will be heading back to Miami to train and possibly even play with Miami Fc. So when Luis Muzzi proposed this offer to me I couldn't say no I mean I'll be doing more of 2 and 3 a days with Miami Fc while living at home, being with family, friends, and not mention my wonderful girlfriend!! :)
So this happened very suddenly, but like I said that's the way God works out of no where, expect the unexpected! Haha...well anyways I'm really excited I should be landing around 6ish in Miami and will be surprising my whole family except for my parents who already know, so this blog won't be posted till later on tonight to not spoil any surprises! Now I know a lot of people think "Well after a month in Brazil you must be dying for Mcds, or some soda, or partying!" And honestly I can say that I don't really desire any of these in fact Desportivo Brasil is sending me a workout plan to continue while in Miami, and a food plan to abide by. And myself on my own plan on keeping a good sleep schedule, and continue to train hard over here.
Things I'll be doing once back home
-Chill with the family
-Go to church
-Spend time with my loveeeeeeeeeeeee
-Play some live poker, with the money I've won.
-Spend time w/ friends.
-And get really strong and get much better.
I plan on my daily routine being something like this.....
Monday/Wednesday/Friday
Wake up 7:30am
Breakfast 8am
Train with Miami Fc Pros at 9am
Have lunch 12pm
Gym (upper body) 2:30pm
Train with Miami Fc U18 academy 5pm
Spend nights resting and hanging out with the family and girlfriend.
Tuesdays/Thursdays
Wake up 7:30am
Breakfast 8am
Train with Miami Fc pro team at 9am
Have lunch 12pm
Train with Miami Fc U18 academy 5pm
Gym (Legs) 7:30pm
Rest,recover,girlfriend,family! :)
I really hope I can stick to this plan or something similar to it I've been working my ass off lately in Brazil and as a result my body is sore, but it feels good to know your working hard. I'm training hard on the field and playing good. While in the gym putting in those extra reps and pushing myself to where I literally can't anymore....So all in all I feel good about this and feel I can accomplish it. I love God ! Lord let me have a safe flight back home and be greeted with warmth and love :)
God Bless
Friday, July 24, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Nightmare....slightly
Well it's every young soccer players nightmare...When you give it all up to pursue a dream and you get injured. Thankfully my in injury is not that serious where as it could end my career or anything, but unfortunately I'm in a lot of pain at the moment. An injury that began way back in about early June came back and stung my the outside of my right foot. =/ I pretty much can't clear the ball w/ my right foot it's to weak and in pain to do so. So it's like playing semi-handicapped. Lol well either way training has been going good though I've also been hitting the gym hard which is where I think my weakness as a soccer player is.
Unfortunately today while training, there was a divided ball which I went in hard with my right foot won the ball but lost the war, on a count of that my right foot was in pain again, so without even trying to force I immediately sat out headed to the trainers office and got a nice hour treatment. My foot feels better but I don't know exactly how I am till I get back out on the field. So tomorrow back to training again and hopefully feeling good.
Besides that not much new stuff going on, just training day to day getting better and taking those baby steps of progression. Short blog. But not much to write about, till the next one.
God Bless
Unfortunately today while training, there was a divided ball which I went in hard with my right foot won the ball but lost the war, on a count of that my right foot was in pain again, so without even trying to force I immediately sat out headed to the trainers office and got a nice hour treatment. My foot feels better but I don't know exactly how I am till I get back out on the field. So tomorrow back to training again and hopefully feeling good.
Besides that not much new stuff going on, just training day to day getting better and taking those baby steps of progression. Short blog. But not much to write about, till the next one.
God Bless
Monday, July 20, 2009
And we call this "Sacrifice"
Well this past week as you know I've been training with the pros, since our U20s are gone for a tournament. To my and the other Americans dismay we were told that the pros need to begin preparing for a game this week, so we were to told to train on our own. So were going to train with Edu one of the trainers here, which you know by me is fine, just kind of dissapointing when you were told you were going to train with the pros. Sucks cause maybe it was a chance for me to get looked at, but hey it's in Gods hands so I'll just accept things as they come and let it be.
Anyways training this past week I felt I did really well, I even felt as if the coach took in interest in me, as he kept choosing me for the 11 v 11 but hey with time everything falls together. One thing I really noticed I needed was to gain more upper body strength I mean I fought hard with these guys and defended very well. But the air balls I couldn't win cause of the huge bodies I was going up against. It was kind of angering but I know I need to just hit the gym 3x as hard as other when we go. Which is why the last time we went I did extra and really pushed myself to the point that my ass muscles were sore. What sucks with working out is that results are long pressed and are not immediate. So you just have to keep believing and going and working hard till you finally do see results even if they don't come for a long time. Another thing I been trying to do is eat a lot more I try eating lunch as soon as it begins and then a little bit more right before the doors for lunch close.
The weekend was kind of boring unlike Miami where you can't wait for the weekends to go out and have a good time, over here weekends are so boring I mean this whole weekend was taken up by playing FIFA, and poker but even that gets boring you know? Oh well "sacrifice" is the name of the chapter that I'm currently living. Hopefully my next chapter in life will be "a step up" and will be along the lines of something like making it to the starters or pros. But for now only God knows what my future holds, and I only know that I must give my all to get where it is that I want to be, and that's in Europe if it's Gods will.....Well I'm off to an early lunch, then gonna pray, and shower kick it online for a bit then off to training to work work work.
God Bless everyone.
Anyways training this past week I felt I did really well, I even felt as if the coach took in interest in me, as he kept choosing me for the 11 v 11 but hey with time everything falls together. One thing I really noticed I needed was to gain more upper body strength I mean I fought hard with these guys and defended very well. But the air balls I couldn't win cause of the huge bodies I was going up against. It was kind of angering but I know I need to just hit the gym 3x as hard as other when we go. Which is why the last time we went I did extra and really pushed myself to the point that my ass muscles were sore. What sucks with working out is that results are long pressed and are not immediate. So you just have to keep believing and going and working hard till you finally do see results even if they don't come for a long time. Another thing I been trying to do is eat a lot more I try eating lunch as soon as it begins and then a little bit more right before the doors for lunch close.
The weekend was kind of boring unlike Miami where you can't wait for the weekends to go out and have a good time, over here weekends are so boring I mean this whole weekend was taken up by playing FIFA, and poker but even that gets boring you know? Oh well "sacrifice" is the name of the chapter that I'm currently living. Hopefully my next chapter in life will be "a step up" and will be along the lines of something like making it to the starters or pros. But for now only God knows what my future holds, and I only know that I must give my all to get where it is that I want to be, and that's in Europe if it's Gods will.....Well I'm off to an early lunch, then gonna pray, and shower kick it online for a bit then off to training to work work work.
God Bless everyone.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Giving God Some Glory!
Well these last couple of days I've been recognized in the world of US Soccer. It's a blessing and honor to be recognized the way I have been although I'm not in the states no more. First off I'd like to let everyone know that I give glory to God for all my achievements, and a special thanks to my my family and girlfriend for their continuous support of me. Lastly Luis Calix my coach this year, he's truly a remarkable coach, and can't thank him enough for bringing out the best in me this year....
Well earlier this week I was sent an email from my former manager to notify me that I was selected to the starting 11 for the All Southeast Region Team. It's a pretty sick achievement. Also congrats to Andrew Quintana, and Steven Seballos who also made it they both were on my club team Miami Fc. Congrats guys! Here is what I was sent and the story can be found also on USSOCCER.COM
◦ From the U.S. Soccer Communications Center:
◦ 2008-09 U.S. SOCCER DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY U-17/18 CONFERENCE STARTING XI TEAMS UNVEILED
◦ Academy Starting XI, Player and Coach of the Year Awards to be Announced Next Week; Development Academy Finals Week Set for July 10-17 at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.
◦ (July 9, 2009) – The 2008-09 U-17/18 Development Academy Conference Starting XI and Conference Coaches of the Year have been unveiled as Development Academy Finals Week is set to kick off on Friday, July 10, at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.
◦
◦ A total of 44 players selected to the Starting XI teams, chosen by Development Academy clubs and national staff coaches, represent 31 different clubs. Four clubs - PDA, Miami FC Kendall, CASL FC Chelsea and Chivas USA - have three players represented on their respective Conference Starting XIs. The Central Conference is the most evenly distributed with 10 different clubs represented, as only the Columbus Crew Juniors having two players on that list in goalkeeper Justin Luthy and defender Matt Weit.
◦
◦ Weit is one of a number of Conference honorees who has spent time with youth national teams, due in part to the vast network of Development Academy technical advisors and scouts. He recently teamed up with Gatorade Player of the Year Dillon Powers (Andromeda) and Andrew Wenger (PA Classics) for a trip to Egypt with Thomas Rongen’s Under-20 Men’s National Team, where the U.S. won and drew against the hosts of the upcoming FIFA U-20 World Cup.
◦
◦ Will Bates (Richmond Strikers), Miles Byass (Arsenal SC) and Powers also traveled with the Under-18 MNT to Lisbon, Portugal, in late May, where the Americans topped Finland and battled to a scoreless draw against Germany before falling to Portugal in an impressive showing under head coach Mike Matkovich. Steve Palumbo (Seacoast United), Jossimar Sanchez (PDA) and London Woodberry (FC Dallas Juniors) have also participated in prior camps with the U-18s.
◦
◦ Chivas USA Academy’s Bryan de le Fuente and FC DELCO’s Joseph Schmid participated on the Development Academy Select Teams that squared off against the U.S. U-17 MNT at the Spring Showcase in Sarasota, Fla. Schmid went on to participate in ensuing training camps under head coach Wilmer Cabrera and his staff as they continue preparations for the FIFA U-17 World Cup this fall.
◦
◦ IMG Academy goalkeeper Larry Jackson, who was honored in the South Conference Starting XI, spent three semesters in U.S. Soccer’s U-17 Residency Program. Korey Veeder (Clearwater Chargers) and Jesse Paredes (Chivas USA Academy) were also part of Residency for two semesters while LAFC Chelsea’s Pablo Cruz (LAFC Chelsea) spent one semester in Bradenton, Fla.
◦
◦ The Development Academy Starting XI and Players and Coaches of the Year will be announced next week, when Finals Week will be well underway. Now wrapping up its second season, the U.S. Soccer Development Academy has improved the training environment, provided relevant, high-level matches on a consistent basis, increased the level and efficiency of scouting for the national teams and provided players, coaches and referees with structured programming.
◦
◦ Eight teams from each age group will face off at the U.S. Soccer National Training Center in Carson, Calif., during Development Academy Finals Week from July 10-17. Two groups of four teams will play on the fields used by the U.S. National Team Programs, including the Men's National Team. Finals week will conclude with placement matches on Thursday, July 16, for the U-17/18 age group and Friday, July 17, for the U-15/16 age group. To advance to finals week, the 16 teams below finished atop a four-team group at the Academy Playoffs.
◦
◦ 2008-09 East Conference U-17/18 Starting XI:
◦ GOALKEEPER (1): Rafael Diaz (PDA)
◦ DEFENDERS (3): Brian Cochrane (FC DELCO), Ethan White (D.C. United Academy), Jossimar Sanchez (PDA)
◦ MIDFIELDERS (5): Zak Kupfer (Albertson SC), Steve Palumbo (Seacoast United), Andrew Wenger (PA Classics), Paul Torres (D.C. United Academy), Joseph Schmid (FC DELCO)
◦ FORWARDS (2): Brian Rogers (Albertson SC), Ryan Finley (PDA)
◦ East Conference Coach of the Year: Steve Klein (PA Classics)
◦
◦ 2008-09 Central Conference U-17/18 Starting XI:
◦ GOALKEEPER (1): Justin Luthy (Columbus Crew Juniors)
◦ DEFENDERS (3): Matt Weit (Columbus Crew Juniors), Taylor Kemp (Real Colorado), London Woodberry (FC Dallas Juniors)
◦ MIDFIELDERS (4): Nikita Kotlov (Carmel United SC), Dillon Powers (Andromeda), Ian Christianson (Chicago Fire Academy), Josh Beard (Sockers FC)
◦ FORWARDS (3): Seth Rudolph (St. Louis Scott Gallagher Metro), Zack Foxhoven (Colorado Rush AS Monaco), Shane Lyons (Derby County Wolves)
◦ Central Conference Coach of the Year: Oscar Pareja (FC Dallas Juniors)
◦
◦ 2008-09 South Conference U-17/18 Starting XI:
◦ GOALKEEPER (1): Larry Jackson (IMG Soccer Academy)
◦ DEFENDERS (4): Andrew Quintana (Miami FC Kendall), Isack Nyongabo (CASL FC Chelsea), Daniel Villegas (Miami FC Kendall), Korey Veeder (Clearwater Chargers)
◦ MIDFIELDERS (4): Ryan Metts (CASL Chelsea FC), Steven Saballos (Miami FC Kendall), Eli Garner (CASL FC Chelsea), Eric Lawrence (AFC Lightning)
◦ FORWARDS (2): Eduardo Alvarez (Greensboro Youth Soccer), Will Bates (Richmond Strikers)
◦ South Conference Coach of the Year: Peter Mannino (Clearwater Chargers)
◦
◦ 2008-09 West Conference U-17/18 Starting XI:
◦ GOALKEEPER (1): Juan Quiroz (Chivas USA Academy)
◦ DEFENDERS (3): Anthony Arena (Crossfire Premier), Bryan de la Fuente (Chivas USA Academy), Chris Smith (Real So Cal)
◦ MIDFIELDERS (4): Anthony Salciccia (De Anza Force), Miles Byass (Arsenal FC), Pablo Cruz (LAFC Chelsea), Jesse Paredes (Chivas USA Academy)
◦ FORWARDS (3): Norberto Ochoa (Arsenal FC), Benny Estes (Pateadores), Rodolfo Godinez (Nomads SC)
◦ West Conference Coach of the Year: Derek Armstrong (Nomads SC)
◦ -ussoccer.com-
That was nice to be recognized like that but then a couple days later Steven Seballos let me know that I was chosen for the starting 11 in the whole nation, I mean your region is nice but the whole nation was pretty shocking to find out, but then again I'm not to surprised I have a big God who only does big things, so why settle for less. Well anyways this is the link to the story of the top 11 players in the country chosen most of the players there are going to the U20 world cup hopefully one day I can be as lucky as these guys, and play in a world cup congrats to everyone who made it. I don't know if they'll be calling us for any games but if they do I will keep everyone updated well till next time everyone I'm off to training.
http://www.ussoccer.com/articles/viewArticle.jsp_15138829.html
God Bless
Well earlier this week I was sent an email from my former manager to notify me that I was selected to the starting 11 for the All Southeast Region Team. It's a pretty sick achievement. Also congrats to Andrew Quintana, and Steven Seballos who also made it they both were on my club team Miami Fc. Congrats guys! Here is what I was sent and the story can be found also on USSOCCER.COM
◦ From the U.S. Soccer Communications Center:
◦ 2008-09 U.S. SOCCER DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY U-17/18 CONFERENCE STARTING XI TEAMS UNVEILED
◦ Academy Starting XI, Player and Coach of the Year Awards to be Announced Next Week; Development Academy Finals Week Set for July 10-17 at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.
◦ (July 9, 2009) – The 2008-09 U-17/18 Development Academy Conference Starting XI and Conference Coaches of the Year have been unveiled as Development Academy Finals Week is set to kick off on Friday, July 10, at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.
◦
◦ A total of 44 players selected to the Starting XI teams, chosen by Development Academy clubs and national staff coaches, represent 31 different clubs. Four clubs - PDA, Miami FC Kendall, CASL FC Chelsea and Chivas USA - have three players represented on their respective Conference Starting XIs. The Central Conference is the most evenly distributed with 10 different clubs represented, as only the Columbus Crew Juniors having two players on that list in goalkeeper Justin Luthy and defender Matt Weit.
◦
◦ Weit is one of a number of Conference honorees who has spent time with youth national teams, due in part to the vast network of Development Academy technical advisors and scouts. He recently teamed up with Gatorade Player of the Year Dillon Powers (Andromeda) and Andrew Wenger (PA Classics) for a trip to Egypt with Thomas Rongen’s Under-20 Men’s National Team, where the U.S. won and drew against the hosts of the upcoming FIFA U-20 World Cup.
◦
◦ Will Bates (Richmond Strikers), Miles Byass (Arsenal SC) and Powers also traveled with the Under-18 MNT to Lisbon, Portugal, in late May, where the Americans topped Finland and battled to a scoreless draw against Germany before falling to Portugal in an impressive showing under head coach Mike Matkovich. Steve Palumbo (Seacoast United), Jossimar Sanchez (PDA) and London Woodberry (FC Dallas Juniors) have also participated in prior camps with the U-18s.
◦
◦ Chivas USA Academy’s Bryan de le Fuente and FC DELCO’s Joseph Schmid participated on the Development Academy Select Teams that squared off against the U.S. U-17 MNT at the Spring Showcase in Sarasota, Fla. Schmid went on to participate in ensuing training camps under head coach Wilmer Cabrera and his staff as they continue preparations for the FIFA U-17 World Cup this fall.
◦
◦ IMG Academy goalkeeper Larry Jackson, who was honored in the South Conference Starting XI, spent three semesters in U.S. Soccer’s U-17 Residency Program. Korey Veeder (Clearwater Chargers) and Jesse Paredes (Chivas USA Academy) were also part of Residency for two semesters while LAFC Chelsea’s Pablo Cruz (LAFC Chelsea) spent one semester in Bradenton, Fla.
◦
◦ The Development Academy Starting XI and Players and Coaches of the Year will be announced next week, when Finals Week will be well underway. Now wrapping up its second season, the U.S. Soccer Development Academy has improved the training environment, provided relevant, high-level matches on a consistent basis, increased the level and efficiency of scouting for the national teams and provided players, coaches and referees with structured programming.
◦
◦ Eight teams from each age group will face off at the U.S. Soccer National Training Center in Carson, Calif., during Development Academy Finals Week from July 10-17. Two groups of four teams will play on the fields used by the U.S. National Team Programs, including the Men's National Team. Finals week will conclude with placement matches on Thursday, July 16, for the U-17/18 age group and Friday, July 17, for the U-15/16 age group. To advance to finals week, the 16 teams below finished atop a four-team group at the Academy Playoffs.
◦
◦ 2008-09 East Conference U-17/18 Starting XI:
◦ GOALKEEPER (1): Rafael Diaz (PDA)
◦ DEFENDERS (3): Brian Cochrane (FC DELCO), Ethan White (D.C. United Academy), Jossimar Sanchez (PDA)
◦ MIDFIELDERS (5): Zak Kupfer (Albertson SC), Steve Palumbo (Seacoast United), Andrew Wenger (PA Classics), Paul Torres (D.C. United Academy), Joseph Schmid (FC DELCO)
◦ FORWARDS (2): Brian Rogers (Albertson SC), Ryan Finley (PDA)
◦ East Conference Coach of the Year: Steve Klein (PA Classics)
◦
◦ 2008-09 Central Conference U-17/18 Starting XI:
◦ GOALKEEPER (1): Justin Luthy (Columbus Crew Juniors)
◦ DEFENDERS (3): Matt Weit (Columbus Crew Juniors), Taylor Kemp (Real Colorado), London Woodberry (FC Dallas Juniors)
◦ MIDFIELDERS (4): Nikita Kotlov (Carmel United SC), Dillon Powers (Andromeda), Ian Christianson (Chicago Fire Academy), Josh Beard (Sockers FC)
◦ FORWARDS (3): Seth Rudolph (St. Louis Scott Gallagher Metro), Zack Foxhoven (Colorado Rush AS Monaco), Shane Lyons (Derby County Wolves)
◦ Central Conference Coach of the Year: Oscar Pareja (FC Dallas Juniors)
◦
◦ 2008-09 South Conference U-17/18 Starting XI:
◦ GOALKEEPER (1): Larry Jackson (IMG Soccer Academy)
◦ DEFENDERS (4): Andrew Quintana (Miami FC Kendall), Isack Nyongabo (CASL FC Chelsea), Daniel Villegas (Miami FC Kendall), Korey Veeder (Clearwater Chargers)
◦ MIDFIELDERS (4): Ryan Metts (CASL Chelsea FC), Steven Saballos (Miami FC Kendall), Eli Garner (CASL FC Chelsea), Eric Lawrence (AFC Lightning)
◦ FORWARDS (2): Eduardo Alvarez (Greensboro Youth Soccer), Will Bates (Richmond Strikers)
◦ South Conference Coach of the Year: Peter Mannino (Clearwater Chargers)
◦
◦ 2008-09 West Conference U-17/18 Starting XI:
◦ GOALKEEPER (1): Juan Quiroz (Chivas USA Academy)
◦ DEFENDERS (3): Anthony Arena (Crossfire Premier), Bryan de la Fuente (Chivas USA Academy), Chris Smith (Real So Cal)
◦ MIDFIELDERS (4): Anthony Salciccia (De Anza Force), Miles Byass (Arsenal FC), Pablo Cruz (LAFC Chelsea), Jesse Paredes (Chivas USA Academy)
◦ FORWARDS (3): Norberto Ochoa (Arsenal FC), Benny Estes (Pateadores), Rodolfo Godinez (Nomads SC)
◦ West Conference Coach of the Year: Derek Armstrong (Nomads SC)
◦ -ussoccer.com-
That was nice to be recognized like that but then a couple days later Steven Seballos let me know that I was chosen for the starting 11 in the whole nation, I mean your region is nice but the whole nation was pretty shocking to find out, but then again I'm not to surprised I have a big God who only does big things, so why settle for less. Well anyways this is the link to the story of the top 11 players in the country chosen most of the players there are going to the U20 world cup hopefully one day I can be as lucky as these guys, and play in a world cup congrats to everyone who made it. I don't know if they'll be calling us for any games but if they do I will keep everyone updated well till next time everyone I'm off to training.
http://www.ussoccer.com/articles/viewArticle.jsp_15138829.html
God Bless
Monday, July 13, 2009
English Class
This weekend was really meaningless, not much happened I just stayed in the room with the players from FGCU playing FIFA and hangin out. Tomorrow (Monday) I begin training with the professionals as the U20s leave for a tournament. So it will be good to start training a bit harder. I'm hoping to really showcase myself and who knows maybe hop on right to the pros team, but we'll see what God has in store for me.
Anyways today as I was in my room watching a movie on my labtop that gives me inspiration "Goal!" one of the guys who works in the office came in, and said come with me in portugese, so i agreed and followed him downstairs where he took me into the english class. Only to my surprise I found a british lady as the teacher who was born in Brasil, and the trainers here from Traffic. So class was already in session, but we drifted off into a conversation about me and where I'm from and my family, girlfriend, soccer, life back home, etc. I would speak in english the teacher would translate to them and vice versa, it was so much fun I had a great time talking and laughing we were all laughing. And then one of the trainers Edu told me he works specifically with my position and that tomorrow after I train with the pros he wants to train me indivdually, which i was suprised but much more thankful for. Then he followed up with that one weekend he'll take me back to his home city of Santos and watch a game and have a bar bee q at his house, and spend Sunday at the beach, and that I can stay in his home. I was flattered, and just thankful. So it looks as if I'm going probably in a couple weeks, but the class went so well everyone was laughing I even learned some portugese slang. I learned the word "marryfoot". Haha this word describes most of the girls in Brasil who just loveee lovee loveee loveeeee soccer players. So if you introduce as "Hi my name is Daniel" they look at you and turn the other way. Now if you introduce yourself as "Hi my name is Daniel I'm from the states I'm here on a contract playing soccer" well what happens is they pretty much fall in love with you. Now to clear things up I don't know this from experience, but I did see it happen with my friend and he hooked up with two girls on the spot. Pretty crazy. Anyways I've drifted off topic the trainers are there every monday for 2 hours, and they have invited me back to help, and just have a good time with them pretty much. I agreed to their proposal as I enjoy being there with them, and its a fun time, while I can give back some you know. It's nice.
So tomorrow begins training again, God take over my body, my mind, my legs! I love you mami. I love you papi. I love you Teko. I love you Mono. I love you familia Villegas. I love you too babe <3.
God Bless everybody, and don't hate just love. :)
Anyways today as I was in my room watching a movie on my labtop that gives me inspiration "Goal!" one of the guys who works in the office came in, and said come with me in portugese, so i agreed and followed him downstairs where he took me into the english class. Only to my surprise I found a british lady as the teacher who was born in Brasil, and the trainers here from Traffic. So class was already in session, but we drifted off into a conversation about me and where I'm from and my family, girlfriend, soccer, life back home, etc. I would speak in english the teacher would translate to them and vice versa, it was so much fun I had a great time talking and laughing we were all laughing. And then one of the trainers Edu told me he works specifically with my position and that tomorrow after I train with the pros he wants to train me indivdually, which i was suprised but much more thankful for. Then he followed up with that one weekend he'll take me back to his home city of Santos and watch a game and have a bar bee q at his house, and spend Sunday at the beach, and that I can stay in his home. I was flattered, and just thankful. So it looks as if I'm going probably in a couple weeks, but the class went so well everyone was laughing I even learned some portugese slang. I learned the word "marryfoot". Haha this word describes most of the girls in Brasil who just loveee lovee loveee loveeeee soccer players. So if you introduce as "Hi my name is Daniel" they look at you and turn the other way. Now if you introduce yourself as "Hi my name is Daniel I'm from the states I'm here on a contract playing soccer" well what happens is they pretty much fall in love with you. Now to clear things up I don't know this from experience, but I did see it happen with my friend and he hooked up with two girls on the spot. Pretty crazy. Anyways I've drifted off topic the trainers are there every monday for 2 hours, and they have invited me back to help, and just have a good time with them pretty much. I agreed to their proposal as I enjoy being there with them, and its a fun time, while I can give back some you know. It's nice.
So tomorrow begins training again, God take over my body, my mind, my legs! I love you mami. I love you papi. I love you Teko. I love you Mono. I love you familia Villegas. I love you too babe <3.
God Bless everybody, and don't hate just love. :)
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Miami in Brazil....
Well players keepa coming on in, mainly from my area too, but their here just to train and prepare for University we actually have two players from FGCU here training one is Brazilian, and the other is Argentinan. Also today arrived two more players that used to play for Cagliari-Miami but have crossed over now to Miami Fc academy. They're all here until August 1st and it's gonna be fun to have a little Miami flavor here. Todays training was good, I felt I performed really well, and with each passing day I feel as if I'm getting better and better, I'm also getting along more with the players so that's also a defenite positive. Later today we were treated to a nice surprise Keirrison the 20yr old superstar that player for Palmeiras was here and chatted to us a bit today and was gracious enough to take pictures with everyone. I really enjoyed listening to him speak, for one he's not flashy he looks like a regular kid, and also he speaks very well, and he also talks a lot about faith. If you haven't heard of him you will as he has been bought by Barcelona for 15 million Euros. It's amazing to know this kid is only 20yrs old, and he's being paid the way he is. But hey that's what hard work can give you, along with a Brazilian background! I know one day I will be on sale and sold off to Europe, so it's nice too meet a fellow player, I'm kidding don't take me seriously when I say that stuff. I mean, I do mean it but i say it out of faith, not out of cockyness, I'm a very humble kid and shall stay that way I despise people that brag, and have to continue to speak on all their success, that's why in my blog I don't only write the good I like to be truthful even if it means I'm being benched or I'm playing bad. I'm not gonna run from my problems I'm going to face them head on with God. So yeah that was todays day, followed by a workout at the gym, and tomorrow we have another practice game on the road at 10am will blog about that when we win!!! Oh by the way the pics of Keirrison and I will be up on FB by tonight so check em out!!!!
God Bless
God Bless
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Game against Brasilis. Yanks Abroad.
Well yesterday it was an all day out type of day. We had another practice game against Brasilis, only this time we were the away team, and were on the road. Their home field was about 2 hours drive away from ours. So we left like at 12:00 to get there in time to warm up and get ready as the game started at 15:00. I don't know if these guys are rivals or something but the atmosphere felt a bit more hostile. Anyways we began he game and within the first two minutes there was a hard tackle from one of their players then followed up with an elbow to the face of another one of our players, immediately the benches cleared and even coaches came out to the field the players and everyone formed a big thing talking, and pushing people around. The coaches agreed that if any player got too hot headed he would taken off the field. Game continues and were ahead 1-0 when another dirty tackle from behind hits one of our players, and the same thing happens benches clear only this time people are getting into eachothers faces and people are being held back. After that we had another goal and we took the lead 2-0, and then halftime came. The second half proceeded with the same thing and the game became even more hostile when they scored a very nice goal but rubbed it in our faces with the celebration. It was like taunting/yelling, but we shrugged it off with saying "hey 2-1 that's right". So the game had about 25 minutes in and I was warming up to get into the game when again anotherrrrrrrrrrr dirty tackle this one on a break away and it's a direct red people begin to push and get really physical the coaches both agree to call off the game, and we head home on our 2 hour bus ride arrive at 20:00 have dinner, shower, and relax. I think I'm getting used to the fact that I'm just not a started YET. Cause yesterday I didn't get upset with not playing, and I understand I'm new and will eventually earn my spot on the team. Hopefully sooner than expected. Well today is the weekend, and we had a gym session early, and now it's a day off and I'm going to try to go to the city, and enjoy myself maybe buy a couple thangsssss.
On another note the forum thread that was made about me, in which I mentioned on my last post, well I received two emails, and am going to answer those questions now. Feel free to send an email and ask me any questions, I will answer the ones I'm allowed to, and the ones I feel are appropiate.
I became involved with Traffic, as they're owners of Miami Fc the USL team, I played for Miami Fc the U18 academy team. I believe I was seen and spoken about after Dallas Cup where the interest came from Tigres of Mexico as well. I took at look at both contracts and chose Traffic, they truly are a great company, and deal with their players very well.
My ethnic background is Colombian both my parents are Colombian, and are now US Citizens. I was born in Miami and have lived here my whole life.
That's it for now feel free to ask, and thanks for all the support yanks.
God Bless
On another note the forum thread that was made about me, in which I mentioned on my last post, well I received two emails, and am going to answer those questions now. Feel free to send an email and ask me any questions, I will answer the ones I'm allowed to, and the ones I feel are appropiate.
I became involved with Traffic, as they're owners of Miami Fc the USL team, I played for Miami Fc the U18 academy team. I believe I was seen and spoken about after Dallas Cup where the interest came from Tigres of Mexico as well. I took at look at both contracts and chose Traffic, they truly are a great company, and deal with their players very well.
My ethnic background is Colombian both my parents are Colombian, and are now US Citizens. I was born in Miami and have lived here my whole life.
That's it for now feel free to ask, and thanks for all the support yanks.
God Bless
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Rainy Days.....
Everyone who reads this should check this out I'm actually talked about on a soccer forum website, it's pretty cool not to brag or anything but just check it out. And if the forum people wanna talk to me you can send me an email to danielvillegas19@gmail.com
http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1023308&highlight=Villegas
Rainy day today in Porto Feliz, and very cold. Anyways yesterday we had another practice game against some team there in which we won again 3-1 I played the last 20 minutes and for whatever reason was nervous, messed up my first pass, but after that played well and had an overall decent game. I feel like I only get put into the game when it's easy, as if they were putting me in for pity, I hate feeling the way I do so I think very optimistically. You can say I'm weird, maybe a bit messed up in the head....that's ok though cause I agree that I'm weird and a bit crazy in the head, just ask my girlfriend, or family if you need some reassurance. I been here now for two weeks and counting, and to be honest its hard to adapt to this lifestyle and this much sacrifice, I'm more used to a chilling life back home. But although I feel as if I'm being pitied, and being treated as a lower level player, I KNOW that I will make it and overcome these obstacles, cause that's all they are, obstacles. It's not as if I'm going up against a brick wall, instead these are just hurdles and steps I need to overcome. In fact everyday on the way to practice it's a pretty long walk today, I came dressed in the team uniform like everyone else, only to find out 3 other players and I weren't allowed to be in the team picture cause were under evaluation. Ouch, made me feel like a sick outcast. Whatever I never think of stuff negatively or get sad, for i know that I wasbrought to Brazil to play soccer professionally for the skills that the Lord presents to other people through me. So after we- well they took the picture, we walked to the field, on the way to the filed we go up about a 50ft hill obviously through stairs, today on this rainy freezing day in which I was struggling to deal with, I stopped and stared at 50ft stairs and the uphill climb it was. It's not as if it were my first time going up these stairs, or that I was incapable of going up them. It just hit me when I stopped at the feet of the stairs. This is all obstacles and sacrifices that I must make to get to God blessings for me. I know I'm gonna make it to Europe and play professional soccer, it's just a matter of when. Nobody said it would be easy, nobody told me it would be this hard, but hey I have a God who is King of Kings, and nothing can stop His will. So I trained today although the conditions were terrible to play in, and with a refreshed mind and outlook on my life. I know I'm going to make it, and I just need to have patience it's just a matter of when. I'm not the type to get scared and back down when given a challenge, instead I will live up to and surpass the expectations. Trust me, all is going to be fine, I'm missing my family, and girlfriend so much, but hey for everyone back home who misses me, and is wondering how it's going. Right now honestly not that great but have faith and continue to pray for me that everything will be fine, and I miss all of you too but like my momma once told me.......
Las cosas con sacrificio son las que reciben mas recompensas
God bless everyone!!
http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1023308&highlight=Villegas
Rainy day today in Porto Feliz, and very cold. Anyways yesterday we had another practice game against some team there in which we won again 3-1 I played the last 20 minutes and for whatever reason was nervous, messed up my first pass, but after that played well and had an overall decent game. I feel like I only get put into the game when it's easy, as if they were putting me in for pity, I hate feeling the way I do so I think very optimistically. You can say I'm weird, maybe a bit messed up in the head....that's ok though cause I agree that I'm weird and a bit crazy in the head, just ask my girlfriend, or family if you need some reassurance. I been here now for two weeks and counting, and to be honest its hard to adapt to this lifestyle and this much sacrifice, I'm more used to a chilling life back home. But although I feel as if I'm being pitied, and being treated as a lower level player, I KNOW that I will make it and overcome these obstacles, cause that's all they are, obstacles. It's not as if I'm going up against a brick wall, instead these are just hurdles and steps I need to overcome. In fact everyday on the way to practice it's a pretty long walk today, I came dressed in the team uniform like everyone else, only to find out 3 other players and I weren't allowed to be in the team picture cause were under evaluation. Ouch, made me feel like a sick outcast. Whatever I never think of stuff negatively or get sad, for i know that I wasbrought to Brazil to play soccer professionally for the skills that the Lord presents to other people through me. So after we- well they took the picture, we walked to the field, on the way to the filed we go up about a 50ft hill obviously through stairs, today on this rainy freezing day in which I was struggling to deal with, I stopped and stared at 50ft stairs and the uphill climb it was. It's not as if it were my first time going up these stairs, or that I was incapable of going up them. It just hit me when I stopped at the feet of the stairs. This is all obstacles and sacrifices that I must make to get to God blessings for me. I know I'm gonna make it to Europe and play professional soccer, it's just a matter of when. Nobody said it would be easy, nobody told me it would be this hard, but hey I have a God who is King of Kings, and nothing can stop His will. So I trained today although the conditions were terrible to play in, and with a refreshed mind and outlook on my life. I know I'm going to make it, and I just need to have patience it's just a matter of when. I'm not the type to get scared and back down when given a challenge, instead I will live up to and surpass the expectations. Trust me, all is going to be fine, I'm missing my family, and girlfriend so much, but hey for everyone back home who misses me, and is wondering how it's going. Right now honestly not that great but have faith and continue to pray for me that everything will be fine, and I miss all of you too but like my momma once told me.......
Las cosas con sacrificio son las que reciben mas recompensas
God bless everyone!!
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