Sueño MLS players counting the hours
"I can't sleep," said Stanley Mejia of Tustin, Calif. "Four days is a long time. It feels like weeks, this is all I think about."
For the 19-year-old forward, getting this close to becoming a professional soccer player has been and overwhelming experience.
"It's a big step from 2,000 guys to 60 then 24," he said. "This whole experience has been pretty much amazing."
As for having had the opportunity to play at The Home Depot Center, "It was a completely different experience," said Mejia. "Being in the locker room, then the tunnel and then on the field, I felt like a pro, like I had already made it."
Mejia started playing soccer at the age of three, and since then, he has dreamt of the time in his life when he would get the opportunity to showcase his talents like he did this past weekend.
"This is all I've ever wanted," he said. "If I make this it would be the greatest thing that could ever happen to me."
Throughout the course of his soccer career, Mejia has had the unconditional support of his family, particularly that of his father.
"My dad has always trained me," said Mejia. "He's been there for me since day one, he's been a big help."
Although Mejia's father was unable to attend his tryouts this weekend, his presence was still felt.
"Everything that my dad told me I could hear in my head," said Mejia. "I could hear his words as if he were telling me how to play."
Mejia, along with the other talented dreamers, gave his heart and soul for the game that he loves. Whether or not these young athletes go on to the two-week trials, each one can proudly say they have had an important part in an historic event.
"I would do it again in a heartbeat," said Mejia. "I have no regrets. I gave it 120 percent and hopefully God can help me out."
