Yesterday, I went to the US Soccer Academy finals at the Home Depot Center to see what level I might be playing at next year. I met some really cool and important people. I watched two games. The first one was for a place in the finals and it was between Cal Odyssey and the Washington Premier. The score ended up being 1-1. Cal Odyssey ended up going to the finals to play the Derby County Wolves. The other game I saw was between the New York Red Bull and the Derby County Wolves. This game was sort of a consolation because the Wolves had already clinched their spot in the finals. It was still a really exciting game. The Red Bull ended up winning 2-0. It was helpful to see the level of play that I need to be at or be better than at the end of next year.I also got to see the US Soccer offices where all of the behind the scenes stuff happens at US Soccer. They had all of the pennants that the U.S. team has ever received on one wall. They also had a bunch of jerseys from different national teams from the 1994 World Cup. I had a great day at the HDC.

Paul Tamberino and Brian Hall talking up and coming referees.

More and more ex-players getting involved at a higher level means more experience being available to the youth of American soccer… Definitely a good thing!

A little undershot inside the truck that was used while I was interviewing US International and Chivas USA left back Jonathan Bornstein up in Lancaster during this weekend’s Development Academy Winter Showcase.

A view of the truck and satellite truck to get the signal up.

More pics after the Jump…..

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We usually don’t here that much about what happens behind the scenes with referees, but I had a very interesting conversation with Director of Referee’s Paul Tamborino this weekend on Sunday.

I’m hoping we’re on the right track and think we just might be.

Very in depth look and explanation to the motives behind the Development Academy.

Behind the scenes with Carmel United U-18’s.