Perez Sisters To Compete At The Algarve Cup In Portugal
March 04, 2013 | Women's Soccer
March 4, 2013
FERRIERAS, Portugal - The prestigious Algarve Cup will have a Washington flare to it this year as sisters Veronica Perez and Amanda Perez will compete for the Team Mexico beginning on Wednesday. Veronica is a veteran of the Mexican National Team, but Amanda will be making her debut for the full national squad.
"We are very proud of and excited for Amanda to get this opportunity," said UW Head Coach Lesle Gallimore. "She hasn't been a Husky very long but apparently we've had a big impact on her soccer already. The Mexican National Team coaches said that her fitness level and her preparedness coming into this camp prompted them to have her stay on with the full team for a training camp and then take part in the prestigious Algarve Cup."
The older Perez sister competed in for Mexico at the World Cup, but now is joined by younger sister and current Husky, Amanda.
"Deep down we knew there was always a possibility of playing for Mexico together on the same team," said the elder Perez. "It was one of our goals to accomplish this. Now that we actually have an opportunity in Portugal, I'm excited and emotional inside. I love playing with my sister. We have this special connection on the field and she's one of my favorite players to play with. I'm not jumping up and down in front of everyone but she knows how proud I am of her and how cool this is."
Mexico opens pool play on Wednesday, March 6 when they take on Hungary. Included in their Group C are Wales, the host Portugal and Hungary.
"Veronica is such a smart and skillful player that she makes it easy to have fun and play with her," said the younger Perez. "After years of training together I feel like we have the same soccer philosophy and I'm beyond excited to play with her on this stage. Playing on the national team with Veronica has been my number one goal since entering the national program. To play on the full national team with your older sister is something that people dream of. I've always looked up to her on and off the field, so to be able to experience this with her is blessing."
"Amanda will have some of her midterms proctored and is keeping up with school through podcasts and emailed lecture notes," added Gallimore. "She'll be back in time to take her finals as scheduled. Her diligence along with the academic support she's getting from her professors, T.A.'s and academic advisor are making this possible."
Also making waves on the International scene for the Dawgs is Isabel Farrell who has been selected to represent the U.S. U-20's in the 12 Nations Tournament in LaManga, Spain. Team USA will begin play on March 7 against Norway, but will also face Germany and Sweden in this friendly tournament.
The Dawgs spring training is underway, including the addition of new assistant coach Brendan Faherty. The first spring match will be March 14 when Washington welcomes Seattle U. to the Husky Soccer Stadium.
