CARSON, Calif. — Starting at left-back, Colorado Springs native Sam Vines became the first player developed by the Colorado Rapids Academy to get a United States Men’s National Team cap Saturday at Dignity Health Sports Park.
The 20-year-old played 77 minutes of the United States’ 1-0 win over Costa Rica. The lone goal came off of a penalty kick from 18-year-old Bundesliga forward Ulysses Llanez, who also made his USMNT debut.
“I’ve been waiting for this my whole life, it’s an exciting time for me,” Vines said. “My family and friends were here, overall it’s been a great month.