Real Salt Lake Academy defender Justen Glad & the U17 MNT took on Honduras Sunday afternoon with a spot in the 2013 U17 World Cup on the line. Honduras and USMNT exchanged goals before the half and Honduras broke the tie in the 57th minute and grabbed another goal in the 68th minute which helped them defeat USMNT, 3-1. Highlights from the game here.
Justen Glad also saw his first action in the qualification after he was subbed into the game. Glad, naturally a back, played a holding mid for the team. First time he has played this position. Grande Sports Academy caught up with Glad after the game.
Grande – How did it feel to get your name called to go in?
Glad – “It felt amazing. I was a little shocked because I have never played holding mid for the national team before but I was happy that the coaches gave me the opportunity and I wanted to do them proud. I felt honored as well that they would put me in to play for the biggest game of my career.”
Grande – What surprised you the most about playing that position?
Glad – “How difficult it was compared to playing center back. It was a lot more running than I expected!”
Grande – Not the finish you and your teammates wanted but what is the next step for you and the team?
Glad – “After residency ends my next step will be to continue playing for RSL and hopefully getting called in to more national team events and for the team I think we just have to look forward and get ready for the next big event so we can prove to everybody that we are a top world team.”
Grande – What will you take away from this experience?
Glad – “I will take away the fact that everything you and your teammates have worked for could all be lost (playing in the World Cup) based off a one game but we just have to use that experience and keep moving forward.”
Grande – And lastly, how has it made you a better player?
Glad – The experience has made me a better player because there was a lot of pressure going into that game and dealing with that pressure in a new position will only make me perform better in scenarios like that in the future. I think mentally I will be tougher going in to games now.
Grande – Thank you Justen.
Glad – Thanks.