text: US national players surprise youth at Hoboken soccer showcase - nj.com
  US national players surprise youth at Hoboken soccer showcase
  U.S. men's national soccer team members surprise teens at Hoboken's Sinatra Park
  Gallery: U.S. men's national soccer team members surprise teens at Hoboken's Sinatra Park
  When more than 100 elite youth soccer players were invited by Gatorade to Sinatra Park in Hoboken late in May, they just thought they were there to demonstrate their skills ahead of Gatorade's "Unreal Around the World" contest.
  What they didn't know was there was a surprise waiting for them.
  And Carter believes the experience was just as memorable for the two professional players. Gonzalez also plays for the L.A. Galaxy in the MLS, and Zusi for Sporting Kansas City.
  "Surrounded by some of the next generation's best soccer players, (they) were able to share their own journeys from teenage stars to professional athletes," she said.
  "Zusi encouraged the young athletes to continue working hard to improve their games and to always give that extra ounce of effort because that is what makes the difference."
  Nine of the participants hailed from Hoboken while the rest were chosen from club teams such as New Jersey Soccer Academy 04, the College of New Jersey Players Development Academy's U-17/18 team, Kosmos FC, South Bronx United and TSF Academy.
  None of the players were automatically entered into the Unreal Around the World contest, but the event at Sinatra Park gave them a chance to compete in scrimmages and ball handling drills against stout competition.
  But all players were encouraged to apply for the contest. Five winners will be chosen for a two-week trip starting July 27 to visit some iconic clubs such as FC Barcelona, AC Milan, Liverpool, Arsenal, Boca Juniors and the Brazilian Football Confederation.
  Contestants can submit a video to GatoradeFootball.com that shows "hard work, creativity and originality" and an essay describing the hard work they have undergone to improve their skills.