#22 - Carlos J. Astete-Poblet

 Football first became part of my life in Lima, Peru. I didn't know it then, but it was my way of dealing with the struggles of life. I grew up in a humble family of 6 living in a small studio, just trying to make ends meet. It wasn't until I came to the United States at the age of 9 that my passion for football really grew and progressed.  I grew up playing forward and midfield in CYSA, high school,  and got a scholarship as a goalkeeper for Cañada College. I played for a season until I joined the US Army. Upon my return, I started playing for a San Jose Premier league, and eventually joined an elite soccer team based out of Oakland Panafrique FC, and also played with the Stockton United Soccer Club (Sahuayo Dep.). The biggest lesson I've learned has been that Passion and persistence can overcome age limitations. Being able to represent this great Country at the Senior National Level would be a personal dream come true. Being able to support my Country in combat during OIF, and now being selected for the 33-man training squad, with the opportunity to once again represent my country differently, it's definitely one of the proudest moments of my life.  I would say it comes with the highest responsibility possible; you are no longer just representing yourself, you are also representing the country, and what it stands for, an image of hope, inspiration and opportunity. I think serving in the military for over two decades instills a certain type of resiliency in you, it lets your mind and body know you are capable of sustaining more than you think is possible. Also, surrounding yourself with high-level players and competing at their level raises your personal performance.