Junior plays for U.S. Youth National Team against England Thomas plays international game

By Juliana Blazek | Jade Editor

While varsity soccer was claiming its third consecutive SPC championship in Dallas, junior Jaden Thomas traveled to England to play in two games for the U.S. Under-17 Women’s Youth National Team. Thomas was one of 20 players, representing 12 states and 18 soccer youth clubs, to be invited to play for the national team.

“After tearing my ACL last year I missed a lot of national team camps so it was a dream come true to finally get the chance to represent my country,” Thomas said.

The U.S. team played in two games, one on Feb. 15 and another on Feb. 18, against England’s Under-17 Women’s Youth National Team at St. George’s Park, Burton Upon Trent. As one of the five forwards on the team, Thomas was accompanied by an additional six midfielders, seven defenders, and two goalkeepers, wearing the number 14 on her blue uniform.

“It was a competitive atmosphere, because everyone was used to being the best player on their team, so it took time to figure out our team chemistry,” Thomas said. “I made new friendships with people from all over the country.”

On a cloudy, 50-degree day in England, the U.S. team, led by head coach Katie Schoepfer, trailed behind England. In the 74th minute, Thomas scored with a shot from the top of the box into the top right corner of the goal, making the score 3-4. Ultimately, the team fell to England with a final score of 4-5 in the Feb. 15 game.

In the next game on Feb. 18, the U.S. team beat England 3-1.

“The game was high pace and high intensity, but instead of nerves I was really excited, almost like an adrenaline rush,” Thomas said.

Thomas will continue playing for her soccer club, FC Dallas, and will lead the varsity soccer team next school year as one of the captains.