NSCA to Host USA Blind Soccer International Matches Against Romania

Colorado Springs, Colo. – The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) is proud to announce that it will host a weekend of international blind soccer as Team USA hosts Romania for a four-match series at the NSCA Headquarters in Colorado Springs.

Following a weeklong training camp beginning Tuesday, April 22, the USA Blind Soccer Men’s National Team will compete against Romania in four matches across Saturday and Sunday April 26-27.

Match Schedule:

Saturday, April 26

• • • Game 1: 9:30 am – 11:00 am
    • Game 2: 1:00 am – 4:00 pm

Sunday, April 27

• • • Game 3: 9:30 am – 11:00 am
    • Game 4: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

These matches mark another step forward in Team USA’s yearlong preparation for the America’s “B” Tournament December 2-8, 2025 in San Juan, Costa Rica.

“The NSCA is honored to play a small part in facilitating these matches where incredible athletes showcase their talents and compete at the highest level," said Michael Massik, NSCA’s Executive Director. "We look forward to an exciting weekend of competition and camaraderie."

The U.S. Men's Blind Soccer National Team roster includes Ricky Castaneda (Fort Worth, Texas); Charles Catherine (Brooklyn, New York); Antoine Craig (San Diego, California); Oseas De Leon (Miami, Florida); Cody Kirchner (Columbia, South Carolina); Ethan Kunes (Baltimore, Maryland); Alvaro Mora (Phoenix, Arizona); and Ahmed Shareef (Staten Island, New York). The sighted Goalkeepers are Mark Baker (Charlotte, North Carolina) and Brandt Herron (Palm Coast, Florida). Team USA will be led by USA Blind Soccer Men’s National Team head coach Ryan Lazare and assistant coaches Jorge Polanco and Kyle Knott.

Team Romania, ranked 20th in the International Blind Sports Federation current rankings, brings a competitive and experienced squad to Colorado Springs, featuring a mix of veteran leadership and emerging talent as they look to begin qualification later this year for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.

Volunteer Opportunities

The USABA is seeking volunteers to assist during training and match days. This is a great opportunity to support the team and be part of an exciting international event. For more information or to sign up as a volunteer, please contact membership@usaba.org

Stay tuned to @USABA and @NSCAOfficial on social media throughout the weekend for highlights, updates, and behind-the-scenes coverage.

About the National Strength & Conditioning Association

Founded in 1978, The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) is an educational nonprofit dedicated to advancing strength and conditioning and sport science professions around the world. The NSCA empowers a community of professionals by disseminating evidence-based knowledge and its practical application by offering industry-leading certifications, peer-reviewed research journals, career development services, and continuing education. The NSCA community is composed of more than 60,000 certified professionals and members throughout the world who further industry standards as researchers, educators, strength and conditioning coaches, performance and sport scientists, personal trainers, tactical professionals, and other related roles.

About the U.S. Association of Blind Athletes (USABA)

The mission of USABA is to empower Americans who are blind or visually impaired to experience life-changing opportunities in sports, recreation, and physical activities, thereby educating and inspiring the nation. A member organization of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and US Soccer, USABA is certified by the USOPC as the national governing body for the Paralympic team sports of goalball and blind soccer. Since its founding in 1976, USABA has reached more than 100,000 individuals through its multi-sport programming in eight sports. The organization has emerged as more than just a world-class trainer of blind athletes; it has become a champion of the abilities of Americans who are legally blind. As USABA celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026, the organization continues to build on its legacy of expanding sports opportunities for athletes who are blind or visually impaired.

For more information about USABA and its initiatives, visit www.usaba.org.