Castillo trains with U-21 Puerto Rico National Team

BAYAMÓN, Puerto Rico - The summer prior to his sophomore campaign with the University of Dallas men's soccer team, 6-foot forward Mikhail Castillo has been training with the Under-21 (U-21) Puerto Rico National Team, after recently receiving invitation to try-out for the squad. 

Castillo (Round Rock, Texas/Round Rock H.S.) and others vying for a spot on Federación Puertorriqueña de Fútbol, have been working on fitness, technical skills, and ball movement drills at the Bayamón Soccer Complex. 

Receiving time at forward and center-back, Castillo is thrilled to have the opportunity to dawn Puerto Rico's colors. 

"It has been such an amazing experience," Castillo said. "Just being able to put on a jersey that says 'Puerto Rico,' brings so much honor and pride." 

"Representing my island is something I have always dreamed of doing, and I am grateful to be given this opportunity to be able to train with the Puerto Rico National Team." 

This all came about for Castillo when an olympic trainer in Puerto Rico took down his contact information and sent it to a recruiter. 

"A week went by," Castillo said, "and I received a call from a recruiter telling me to attend one of the training sessions." 

Castillo, who has been training with the team since June 11, will head back to Irving, Texas, on Thursday, June 28, to begin Summer II coursework at the University of Dallas. 

Like a number of try-out participants currently enrolled in college, Castillo is on the U-21 team's recruiting list and should soon receive information about their spring 2013 season.

Federación Puertorriqueña de Fútbol will compete in friendly matches in the coming months, battling the likes of Haiti, Bermuda, and Spain.

Castillo, however, must now gear up for Dallas' 2012 season, and is eager to return to the pitch with his Crusader teammates, whom look to build on a 6-9-1 record from a year ago. 

Appearing in 14 matches in 2011, Castillo registered seven points from three goals and an assist.

"I can't wait to get back and start the season," Castillo said. "We have an excellent squad that is ready to train harder and perform better than last season." 

"I am anxious to begin our training. I know we can achieve our goal of making the conference tournament." 

Dallas opens the season in Austin, Texas, versus Concordia University on Saturday, Sept. 1. The Crusaders enter Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) play on Friday, Sept. 7, when newly-minted SCAC member Schreiner University comes to town.