Courtesy: CSTV.com


Former Don Soccer Standout Daniel DeGeer Competing for USA Futsal National Team

DeGeer Propels US Drive to 2008 FIFA Futsal World Cup

Daniel DeGeer is the latest USF men's soccer player to represent the United States when he competed on the US Futsal National Team during the 2008 CONCACAF Qualifier in Guatemala City. A four-year letter winner for the Dons, DeGeer is the second former Don to compete for a national team this summer, joining former teammate Rob Valentino, who competed on the U-23 National Team.

DeGeer was invited to attend the US training camp in Brazil and was named to the team after a strong showing.

DeGeer played a key role for the Americans during pool play, scoring a goal and registering an assist, helping the US win Group B in a 6-2 triumph against Costa Rica. The US found itself in the third place match after suffering a 4-0 shutout to tournament host Guatemala in the semifinals., needing to defeat Panama to advance to the 2008 FIFA Futsal World Cup. DeGeer did not play for the American side in the third place match against Panama due to yellow cards, but the US took a 7-1 decision against the Panamanians in the third meeting between the two teams in the tournament.

While the youngest player on the roster at 22 DeGeer made the most of his opportunities against Costa Rica, scoring the eventual game-winner on a steal in the back end and set up the American's final tally by Denison Cabral.

The U.S. advanced to the semifinals with a 5-3 win against Haiti, a 1-1 draw against Panama and a 6-2 win against Panama. The FIFA Futsal World Cup begins September 30 and runs through October 19 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

DeGeer appreciates the opportunity to represent his country in international competition and looks forward to competing in the World Cup.

"Representing your country in anything is a magnificent honor and I'm blessed to have this opportunity," DeGeer said. "This has been an incredible experience so far and I can't wait to play in the world championships."


ABOUT FUTSAL: Futsal is played between two teams of five players, one of whom is the goalkeeper. In addition each team may have 7 substitutes. Unlike some other forms of indoor football, the court is delineated by lines, and not walls or boards that players can use to rebound the ball. Futsal is played with a smaller ball with less bounce than a football. The emphasis is on improvisation, creativity and technique.




Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com