The Northwood School soccer teams embarked on an exciting journey to Costa Rica, expecting a match against the U-20 Costa Rica National Team. However, the highly-anticipated game was withdrawn due to an unexpected regulation implemented under the new Head Coach of Costa Rica. Initially scheduled for the morning of January 19th, the cancellation presented a significant disappointment to the team.
The team had mixed emotions about the news. Some players were upset because the trip’s primary purpose was to play against the U20 national team of Costa Rica. However, due to the change in leadership of the Costa Rica team, the new Head Coach suspended the game. The reasoning was that the Head Coach only accepted games against other national teams or local academies.
To address the situation, Propella Tours scheduled a meeting for both teams to inform them about the game’s cancellation. During this meeting, they provided a presentation about the stadium and sincerely apologized for the unfortunate turn of events. The players greatly appreciated their efforts to acknowledge the disappointment and ensure clarity.
Thankfully, Propella Tours acted immediately and responsibly to turn the setback into an extraordinary opportunity. To compensate for such upset, Propella Tours arranged for the U17 and U19 teams to play matches in Costa Rica’s premier arena, the Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica, against a top academy, Guadalupe FC. With its natural grass field and capacity for 35,062 spectators, this iconic stadium gifted a memorable experience for all Northwood players.
Both teams enjoyed this chance to shine on such a stage. The U17 squad secured a 5-2 victory, while the U-19 team delivered an impressive 5-0 win. Despite the initial disappointment of losing the opportunity to face national team players, the experience of competing in the Estadio Nacional and the efforts of Propella Tours ensured the trip remained an unforgettable highlight for the team. This unique experience gave the team cherished memories and a deep appreciation for the opportunities presented in Costa Rica.