Posted: Jul 30, 2014

Men’s soccer team set to enjoy trip abroad

The Simpson men's soccer team gets to enjoy a unique bonding experience this preseason when the squad heads to Costa Rica for nine days in early August.

Head coach Rick Isaacson and the Storm fly into the capital city of San Jose on Sunday, Aug. 3 and stay in Central America until Monday, Aug. 11. During their stay, the team will compete in three friendlies, enjoy several sightseeing opportunities and engage in a community service project.

Simpson's exhibition matches will be against local first- and second-division club teams from Costa Rica. Two of the friendlies will be played during the first three days of the trip. The first is on Aug. 4 against Alajuela and the second is against San Carlos on Aug. 5. The final exhibition is against Liberia on Aug. 8.

"We've been looking forward to this trip for almost a year now," head coach Rick Isaacson said. "Our players are eager to compete against international competition as we begin to prepare for the fall season. We won't place an emphasis on getting positive results, but rather, we'll use these "friendlies" as a means to improve fitness while providing our players with a memorable experience."

Aside from spending time on the soccer pitch, the team will have plenty of opportunity to soak up Costa Rican culture. Planned activities on the trip include a trek through the rainforest, a whitewater rafting expedition, a catamaran tour of the coastline and a visit to the breathtakingly beautiful La Fortuna Waterfall.

"This trip is a unique experience for the young men in our soccer program," Isaacson added. "We've scheduled a lot of fun activities that the boys will enjoy. I'm hopeful that in addition to enjoying the sightseeing activities that we've planned, that we'll also get a glimpse into the culture of Costa Rica."

To give back, Isaacson and his team will take part in a community service project on Aug. 5, interacting with local school children.

"We jumped on the opportunity to take on a community service project," Isaacson said. "This will be a rewarding experience for our entire team. This trip is about more than simply playing soccer."

During the trip, SimpsonAthletics.com will share the experiences of the team through the eyes of the players and coaches along for the ride. Make sure to check in next week for the daily blog.

Trip Highlights