Adam Mascio

JACKSON TWP — When Adam Mascio says that soccer is taking him places, he means it.

The Cranberry Township resident and junior at Seneca Valley High School was recently chosen as one of 18 players to represent the United States Region I at an international tournament in Germany May 17-25.

Region I consists of 13 states from New England to Virginia. Only players involved with the Olympic Development Program were eligible for the trip to Germany and had to survive several rounds of cuts.

Mascio was unable to take part in the final tryout due to his obligations with Pennsylvania’s state team, which competed at nationals in Phoenix in March.

“Some of the (ODP) coaches had seen me play before and had good things to say about me,” said Mascio. “When I found out that I had made the team, I was very excited. It was one of my goals to go on this trip.”

The tournament will be played in Theesen, located in northwestern Germany. The competition will include teams from Germany, Austria and Brazil.

“This is a very special honor for the selected players,” said Region I representative Keith Tabatznik. “Current U.S. National Team players Kyle Beckerman, Michael Bradley and Tim Howard were all previously Region I ODP players, so it can lead to the top.”

Mascio was one of nearly 300 players who were vying for a roster spot for the tournament in Germany. He currently plays center-midfield for both Seneca Valley’s high school team and Arsenal’s club team, but will switch to forward while overseas.

“It won’t be a difficult move at all for me,” he said. “When you play club, coaches like to try you at different positions. Besides goalkeeper, I feel comfortable anywhere on the field.”

“Adam is a physical, aggressive and smart player,” said Arsenal coach Ed Ellsworth. “This tournament will give him a chance to experience different cultures and styles of play. I’m really excited for him.”

Mascio will meet his teammates in New York before departing for Germany. They will be afforded some time to site-see, but his anticipation toward playing trumps his interest as a tourist.

“I’m really looking forward to playing at a high level against good competition,” he said. “I want to get exposure over there, hopefully get seen by some college coaches. My goal is to play Division I soccer in college.”

Aside from his natural ability, Mascio has reached a high-caliber of play through his passion for the game.

“I’ve been playing competitive soccer for as long as I can remember,” he said. “I love everything about it and it never gets old for me.”