By Allie Dosmann
Wil Trapp, former Crew Soccer Academy player, is currently in Turkey with the U20 Men’s National Team preparing for the FIFA U20 World Cup.
“Representing your country, regardless of the level, is one of the highest honors a player can receive,” said Trapp.
Trapp joins the MNT from the Columbus Crew, where he signed a homegrown contract in December. With the Crew, Trapp made four reserve appearances, including two starts, and dressed with the Crew’s first team on May 11. His season with the Crew was cut short when he was called up to play with the MNT.
Trapp was an outstanding soccer player when he came to the CSA and with hard work and motivation, only continued to improve. He began his Crew Juniors career in 2007 and then was a part of the first U16 Academy team. In 2009 and 2010, Trapp was chosen as CSA player of the year. He was captain of his U16 and U18 Academy teams that won four national championships in three years.
“I think the Crew Soccer Academy helped me understand what it meant to be a part of a club,” said Trapp. “Each day at training I had the motivation to better myself to hopefully move up to the professional team and accomplish that goal.”
While with CSA, Trapp was chosen for the U14, U15 and U18 National teams. He continued his elite training at the University of Akron. While with the Zips, he won MAC Newcomer of the Year his rookie year and top freshman in the nation by TopDrawerSoccer.com. After two seasons, Trapp signed his contract with the Crew.
“Wil is very goal oriented and demonstrates nearly everyday the respect he has for others and the game itself,” said Brian Bliss, Trapp’s CSA coach.
To younger players, Trapp advises above all else to work hard and stay humble.
“Hard work doesn’t beat talent if talent doesn’t work hard. There are thousands of kids who want to be in your shoes, don’t take it for granted,” said Trapp. “Listen to your coaches, watch it on TV, go out and train on your own; do everything you can to be a student of the game and good things will come.”
The U20 World Cup begins on June 21 and goes until July 13. The United States won their last two preparation games against Congo and Portugal going into World Cup play. Trapp started in every game of the MNT most recent Toulon Tournament matches.
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