Carpinteria’s Johnny Requejo has been recognized by U.S. Soccer as one of the elite 48 under-16 players in the United States and was selected to attend the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., to train full time and complete high school.
The selection is a special honor for Requejo. At IMG, he’ll be training with a pool of players that will be considered for the Under-17 national team that will attempt to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2013 in the United Arab Emirates.
His selection to the academy is a huge loss for the Carpinteria High boys soccer team. As a freshman midfielder, the highly skilled and incredibly composed Requejo helped guide the Warriors to a Tri-Valley League championship and the CIF Division 5 final.
“I was looking forward to three more years with him, but I’m more excited to see him play in a World Cup in two more years, “Carpinteria coach Daniel Torres said. “He’s been working hard for (the academy selection). It’s well deserved and I’m happy for him.”
Requejo has played in the national team program for almost two years. He’s traveled the world with the U-14 and U-15 national teams. His most recent trip was to Croatia in the spring.
Requejo’s soccer skills combined with his overall athleticism make him a valuable asset to the team. While he was an outstanding playmaking midfielder for Carpinteria, he plays as a left-sided defender for the national team.
“It’s kind of odd, but I know he’s a good defender and can attack very well,” said Torres. “He’s such a good athlete, it’s amazing.”
Before entering Carpinteria High, Requejo thought about playing football for the Warriors — he was playing for the U-14 national team at the time. After discussions with Torres and his family about his future, he agreed to focus on fútbol.
Requejo is believed to be the first youth player from the area invited to the IMG Academy, and Torres is excited that it’s a homegrown kid.
“This is great news for everyone — the Santa Barbara Soccer Club, Carpinteria High, the Carpinteria community, everywhere you look,” Torres said. “This is a third or fourth generation Carpinteria kid to make it, he’s not like a kid who just showed up in town. He’s been here forever. It’s nice to see that.”
Happy to read this news. I’ve seen him play several times with the U15s and he’s a very versatile defender. He will be a great addition to the residency program as a great player with the ability to go forward when required, and provide good services in the final third of the field.