24
Jan, 2020
Internationals SC had a strong showing at the 2020 United Soccer Coaches Convention with three players receiving All-American honors. Jordan Fusco, Taylor Huff, and Maia Ransom received this prestigious award for their exemplary play at the club or high school level.
Fusco was named to the United Soccer Coaches Youth Girls All-America Team after tremendous success in club play with Internationals SC. The Olmsted Falls, Ohio native was named to the 2018 ECNL Best XI at the ECNL National Training Camp in Portland, Oregon. She was also named to the Ohio Valley All-Conference team the past two years, received two ECNL PDP invites, attended U.S. National Training Center event, and received a number of high school awards.
“I was excited and honored to be chosen as an All-American,” Fusco said. “It was truly an honor to be named as an All-American along with some of the best girls in the entire country. I hope this award can open doors for me into additional soccer opportunities.”
Fusco credited Internationals SC for helping her develop as a player and providing opportunities to receive such prestigious awards.
“Internationals has helped me improve technically and tactically since I came here four years ago,” Fusco said. “The practices are always challenging us to get better. Internationals plays in the ECNL which has given me opportunities that I wouldn’t have had anywhere else.”
Fusco was quick to praise the work of several Internationals SC coaches.
“Both Keri (Sarver) and Zdravko (Popovic) have been extremely impactful on my development,” Fusco said. “Their practices are always well thought out and have the focus of getting us better. Zdravko was my coach when I first came to the club and more recently, Keri has been my coach.”
This is the third time Huff, the reigning Ohio Division II Player of the Year, has earned All-American honors. The Mansfield, Ohio native earned the honor after another impressive season at Madison Comprehensive High School.
“When I found out I received All-American for the third year in a row, I felt blessed and honored,” Huff said. “To get this once is a dream come true for so many I know, so for me to get it three times is truly something special and I will cherish forever.”
Huff was quick to point out the role that her club coaches played in her success.
“Although all the coaches are great, Zdravko has made the biggest difference in my career,” Huff said. “He reads me well, gives me the advice I need, and critiques me to make my game better. Zdravko has helped me beyond the field. He really is a great person overall. I am super thankful for the impact Zdravko has left and continues to leave on me.”
Ransom, who will play college soccer at Cleveland State University, joined Huff on the Fall High School Girls All-America Team. She played high school soccer at Copley High School.
Attending the awards ceremony was very special for Ransom.
“To be in the room with the top players in the college and high school game was like a dream,” Ransom said. “I am very thankful that I was able to share the moment with my current teammate at ISC Taylor Huff, past club teammates, my high school coach Wally Senk, ISC coach Jared Rose, and my parents. I was excited to be a part of something so memorable and hopefully I will have the opportunity in the future to be a part of it again.”
Ransom also pointed out the positive influence of Internationals SC coaches.
“All of the coaches have been amazing,” Ransom said. “When I joined ISC two years ago I had the opportunity to work with Mark (Platts) and Jared. They made me comfortable with the team I am currently on and push me in training sessions. Keri, Jitka (Klimková), and Zdravko have helped make me a stronger and more intelligent player. The environment that is created is competitive, challenging and fast. I know it will help me as I move on to the college game next year.”
Internationals SC is one of just a few clubs nationwide to have multiple All-Americans.
“We are extremely proud and honored to have three of our players recognized by the USC as All-Americans,” Sarver said. “They have put in the work and are well-deserving of the award. Congratulations to Jordan, Taylor, and Maia. Your ISC family is so proud and happy for you.”
All three players were present at the USC Convention in Baltimore to receive their awards. The recognition is reserved for only the top players in the country.