2022-2023 Season Overview
We marked our first in the 2022-2023 season in Mendoza, Argentina, after relocating from Serbia for two significant reasons. First, with the looming conflict in Ukraine, we felt it was safest for our American players to move away from Eastern Europe. Second, Argentina offers a unique advantage for American players, as they can sign contracts with professional academies before turning 18—something not permitted in Europe. This early exposure is vital, as Argentina is the second-largest exporter of experienced players to Europe.
In our inaugural year in Mendoza, we began forging meaningful relationships with several professional clubs and academies. Our focus remained on player development throughout the season, and we made great strides in enhancing our players' skills and opportunities.
Toward the end of the season, we embarked on a professional tour in Chile. Our first match was against Unión San Felipe, a renowned 2nd Division pro team known for having one of the strongest youth academies in the country. We followed that with a game against O'Higgins, a first-division pro club. The Tour proved to be an invaluable experience, with both teams displaying a high standard of football, particularly in playing out from the back. As a result of the Tour, three of our players were invited to return for tryouts with both clubs.
1st Division Pro club
O'Higgins Fútbol Club is a professional football team based in Rancagua, Chile. Founded in 1955, the club is named after Chilean independence leader Bernardo O'Higgins. The team plays its home matches at the Estadio El Teniente, a stadium with deep historical significance for the club and the region. O'Higgins has enjoyed success in Chilean football, their most notable achievement being the 2013 Primera División title. Known for their loyal fan base, "Los Celestes," O'Higgins has consistently been a competitive force in Chilean football, fostering local talent and maintaining a strong presence in the national league.
2nd Division Pro Club
Club Deportivo Unión San Felipe is a Chilean football club based in the city of San Felipe, in the Valparaíso Region. Founded in 1956, the club has a rich history in Chilean football and is known for its passionate fan base. Unión San Felipe has competed in the top-tier Chilean Primera División and the Primera B, where they have achieved notable success. The club's most significant accomplishment came in 1971 when they won the Chilean championship and the Copa Chile, becoming the only club to win both in the same year. Estadio Municipal de San Felipe serves as the team's home ground.
Mendoza City Center
Mendoza City Center is the vibrant heart of Argentina's wine country, offering a blend of modern amenities and historical charm. Known for its wide, tree-lined streets and unique irrigation canals, the city is designed with plazas at its core, creating a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. The main square, Plaza Independencia, serves as a central gathering place, surrounded by shops, cafés, and cultural landmarks. Four smaller plazas—Plaza España, Plaza Italia, Plaza Chile, and Plaza San Martín—encircle the city center, each showcasing its own distinct architectural style and cultural significance. These plazas provide green spaces for relaxation and serve as venues for various festivals and events, making Mendoza’s city center a lively and picturesque destination.
Aconcagua & Puente del Inca
Aconcagua, located in the Andes mountain range in Argentina, is the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere, standing at 6,959 meters (22,831 feet). It is a popular destination for mountaineers from around the world, offering challenging climbs and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Near Aconcagua is Puente del Inca, a natural rock formation that forms a bridge over the Vacas River. This unique geological feature is named after the Inca, who are believed to have used the site. The area also boasts ancient thermal springs, adding to its historical and natural significance. Both Aconcagua and Puente del Inca are key attractions in the region, drawing adventurers and tourists alike.
Estadio de Malvinas
Estadio Malvinas in Mendoza, Argentina, is a historic sports venue primarily used for football matches. Located in the picturesque region of Mendoza, the stadium has hosted numerous local and regional sporting events. It serves as the home ground for several local teams and is a central part of the community’s sporting culture. Known for its intimate atmosphere and passionate fans, Estadio Malvinas offers a unique match-day experience. Though smaller compared to larger national stadiums, it holds significant importance for the local football scene in Mendoza, representing the strong sporting spirit of the region.
