Training with Joe-Max Moore

Sept. 22nd, Chula Vista - We held our last practice at the U.S. Olympic Training Center with Joe-Max Moore and his long time friend and soccer teammate from UCLA. Coach Wilson introduced him along with his extremely impressive bio which included participation in three world cups and stints at FC Saarbrucken, FC Nuremburg, Everton and The New England Revolution.

Joe-Max Moore International Highlights

We began practice with a warm up and finishing drills before beginning some 8 vs 8. It was incredibly fun to play with Joe. Even though he claimed to have taken a year and a half hiatus due to knee problems, the way he finished nearly everything in front of him was undeniably impressive. Quickly finding corners with little or no build up motion.

Before warming up he told us that early in life his father told him to pick something that he liked and to work harder than anyone else to become the best at it. His teammate from UCLA echoed this philosophy when he told us that Joe was the hardest working athlete he had ever met. Constantly practicing and focusing energy to training in his off time. And even as we played 8 vs 8 for fun on our last day of training, you could still feel Joe's competitive edge. Always wanting the ball, and making sure he found the open teammate in a dangerous area.

Afterwards, he gave us some advice to take to the tournament, shook our hands, wished us luck and said it was an honor to train with us. It was certainly an honor for us too.