U.S. Under-21 National Team invites Kai back

By Leila Wai
Advertiser Staff Writer

Natasha Kai could be playing against Mia Hamm this month. Advertiser library photo

Kai, who scored in all three games in China, was invited back to training camp this month. At the camp, the team has two scrimmages set up — including one against the U.S. National Team, which includes veterans Mia Hamm, Brandi Chastain and Julie Foudy.

"I'm excited I get to play against them," Kai said yesterday. "At one point I was looking up to them, now I'm on the same field as them."

Kai said Chris Petrucelli, the U-21 National Team coach, told her this would be the "most important camp" because the coaches for the Olympic team would be watching, and with the roster not yet set, she still has a shot.

"He said I had to make a good impression; that it would open more doors for me," Kai said.

According to the U.S. Soccer Federation Web site, more than 25 of the current Women's National Team pool players have competed on the U-21 National Team, and "the day is coming when almost all the senior national team players will have passed through the youth program."

The camp will run from April 16 to 25 at the National Training Center in Carson, Calif. It is the third time in three months Kai has been invited to train with the U-21 National Team.

Kai, a sophomore forward and two-time Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year, scored 29 goals last season to lead the nation. It was her successful college season that led to her first invitation to try out with the U-21 National Team in January.

At this month's camp, where the U-21 National Team will also play Mexico's National Team, Kai will be competing for a spot on the 18-player team that will travel to Brazil in late May. At stake is another invitation to the training camp in June and a roster spot for the Nordic Cup — considered this age group's premier international competition — in Iceland in July.

The Olympics will be in Greece in August.

Kai was recognized as a "U.S. Soccer Spotlight Peak Performer" on the U.S. Soccer Federation Web site after scoring three goals and adding two assists against top Chinese club Shanghai, and both the Chinese Youth and Full National Teams.

"It was my first international experience and I was playing for the United States," she said. "It was a dream come true."

She said her most memorable experience was, "wearing the U.S. uniform, them introducing our names, and singing the National Anthem with the flag raised."

Kai, who rejoined the UH soccer team yesterday for spring training, is one of the first players from Hawai'i to make it this far in the National Team system.

Samantha Libed (formerly Obara) of Pearl City was a member of the U-20 National Team before the system was restructured to its current U-16, U-17, U-19, U-21 and the Senior National Team levels.

Brian Ching of Hale'iwa earned a cap — international appearance — with the U.S. Men's National Team last May in an international friendly against Wales.

Reach Leila Wai at lwai@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2457.