As the Las Vegas Players Showcase approaches, Black Rock FC players are ready to take on a highly competitive weekend. This tournament will be a huge opportunity for these players to display their ability in front of elite college coaches from across the country. Before the trip, The Mirror’s Co-Editor Josh Baker ’28 interviewed multiple players from the U17 Black Rock squad. The questions asked included goals they were striving to achieve, and what they were most looking forward to doing both on and off the pitch.
Paul Lahaie-Boivin ’29. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.
The Mirror: Which game are you most looking forward to in the Las Vegas Players Showcase and why?
Paul Lahaie-Boivin ’29: “I am most excited to play against Las Vegas sports academy as they will be the home team, and it will be exciting to test ourselves against a quality opponent from the area.”
What goals do you have for the tournament?
“I want to consistently have a good impact on each game to benefit the team in a big showcase like this. I want to get goal contributions as well.”
What are you looking forward to most off the pitch while in Las Vegas? “I am very excited to visit the area and the strip to see Vegas for myself, as it has always been a place that intrigues me.”
Jorley do Amaral Neto ’27. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.
The Mirror: Which game are you most looking forward to in the Las Vegas Players Showcase and why?
Jorley do Amaral Neto ’27: “I’m looking forward to playing against Las Vegas Sports Academy because they’re the home team.”
What goals do you have for the tournament?
“I want to play well and get four clean sheets, while showing my soccer to the coaches there.”
What are you looking forward to most off the pitch while in Las Vegas?
“Since it’s my first time there, I want to visit the main streets and see some casinos.”
Philippe Joly ’29. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.
The Mirror: Which game are you most looking forward to in the Las Vegas Players Showcase and why?
Philippe Joly ’29: “I am looking forward to my first game because that is going to set the tone for the weekend and give me and the team a good mindset for the other two games.”
What goals do you have for the tournament?
“My personal goal for the tournament is to score goals and make assists, but most importantly, to help my team win. I want to give everything on the field. I want to help my teammates, and I want to have a good mindset.”
What are you looking forward to most off the pitch while in Las Vegas?
“Off the pitch, I want to create even more connections with my teammates. I want to visit the city and try some activities in Las Vegas.”
Samuel Andoh ’28. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.
The Mirror: Which game are you most looking forward to in the Las Vegas Players Showcase and why?
Samuel Andoh ’28: “I am looking forward to our opening game because our performance in the first game will determine the rest of the tournament.”
What goals do you have for the tournament?
“I want to score as much as I can and also be the best player of the tournament.”
What are you looking forward to most off the pitch while in Las Vegas?
“I am looking forward to having some fun with the boys off the pitch. I am also looking forward to seeing Vegas, as I have heard a lot of good things about it.”
Ashton Turcotte ’27. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.
The Mirror: Which game are you most looking forward to in the Las Vegas Players Showcase and why?
Ashton Turcotte ’27: “I am looking forward to playing Las Vegas Sports Academy as they are MLS Next and will be good competition for us.”
What goals do you have for the tournament?
“My main goal is to have a consistent tournament. Each game, I want to be consistent in passing, defending, etc.”
What are you looking forward to most off the pitch while in Las Vegas?
“I’m looking forward to seeing my mom and dad.”
As you can see, the players are excited to go to Las Vegas for the competition and experience. This showcase will be one of the most memorable experiences for Black Rock FC players this year.
