Sebastian “Bofo” Saucedo was called up by U.S. Soccer to participate in a U17 team week-long camp in California. For Bofo it shows the positive progression he has made since his last call up which was on the U15 team. Bofo, along with teammate Brooks Lennon, shined in the two exhibition games they played against Real So Cal and U15 MNT.
In his first game vs U15 MNT, Bofo picked up an assist and in the next game vs Real So Cal, Bofo picked up another assist and scored the game winning goal. Grande Sports Academy caught up with Bofo once he returned back to back.
Grande – “Impressions on camp?”
Bofo – “It went well. Training was good and the coaches were really cool. It helped me a lot as an attacking mid. Helping me to be more efficient with the ball as well as off the ball. Learning to be cleaner with the ball, only 1 or 2 touch. I thought it was a great camp overall and having another teammate by your side supporting you was huge.”
Grande – “Was there anything the coaches told you to work on?”
Bofo – “Not to be too casual with the ball near the end of games and to finish off the game a little stronger.”
Grande – “You were called into U15 camp and now U17 camp. How does it feel to move up in progression?”
Bofo – “It was just another big step for me. I was really happy and it was just a different step of level in maturity. That means I need to be more mature taking care of myself, working harder. It was another big step and I’m very proud of myself.”
Grande – “How was living and playing at RSL-AZ helped you as a player?”
Bofo – “Everything helped me right away from the beginning when I came here in August. The coaches have really pushed me a lot and they helped push me through the bad times as well. Grande Sports is my second family and it was another step forward for me. Living here, training here makes it like a professional environment. Everyone at the National Team talks about it.”
Grande – “How so?”
Bof0 – “They ask me if it is cool over here and what it is like. I think some of the players would love to come here.”
Grande – “Thoughts on your performance?”
Bofo – “I thought I was really good. Last game I finished off strong. I played a #9 role and I ended up scoring winning goal for the game. I felt very proud of myself.”
Grande – “You were not alone in camp, how was it having Brooks by your side.”
Bofo – Having Brooks by my side was a huge confidence booster. It was just another step for us and it made me feel even more confident representing RSL. I hope we can get even more RSL players on the National Team. We have those players who can become National Team players. With saying that, we need to continue to work hard and continue to ut in hard work. We have the coaching staff and facilities. We can’t ask for anything more.”