Chandler Vaughn (Woodbridge, Va.; Prince William Soccer Inc.) and Jose Carranza (Manassas, Va.; Northern Virginia Soccer Club) were both called into Boy’s National Team Camps that were held this past week in Carson, Calif. Vaughn participated in the U-14s Camp and Carranza in the U-15s Camp. Both players trained with their respective age groups and played in competitive games against Development Academy teams during the week.
Both Carranza and Vaughn expressed that consistency with the National Team has really helped them with physical and mental preparation.
“I’m just a lot more comfortable now,” said Carranza. “Being in Residency and playing with the U-17s has really helped me up my game when it comes to being more physical.”
Vaughn chimed in after Carranza and said, “Knowing everyone and knowing the schedule of how National Team Camps go has given me more confidence. You play better when you’re already comfortable.”
Although both players have become mainstays with their respective National Team groups, there are still many challenges to overcome when attending camps.
“There are still a lot of challenges for me as both a player and just as a kid,” said Vaughn. “You’re physically exhausted because you’re giving your all 24/7, but I’m also trying to keep up with school work. You can’t slack in either category if you want to succeed.”
The difficulties that arise when attending camps and being in the U.S. Soccer Residency Program hasn’t dampened Carranza’s desire.
“This opportunity that I have is something that I can’t take lightly,” said Carranza. “Being in Residency has given me a new appreciation for how hard you have to work in every aspect to accomplish your goals.”
Looking to the future, Carranza and Vaughn both expressed their excitement about attending more camps and possibly going on international trips. Carranza said that he’s aiming to go to the U-17 World Cup, while Vaughn just expressed his excitement for possibly being called in for international trips.
“I just want to continue to work really hard to make more of this opportunity,” said Vaughn. “This is something I want to keep doing at the highest level possible.”
After attending National Team Camp, Vaughn returned to training with the D.C. United U-14s, while Carranza traveled back to Florida to rejoin the U.S. Soccer Residency Program at IMG.
“We are looking forward to watching both Chandler and Jose continue their progress with D.C. United and the National Team,” said D.C. United Director of Youth Development Sonny Silooy. “They’re both really talented and dedicated players that have the ability to go far. We are very proud of their accomplishments.”
