When we asked Jose Acosta, Jr. if he would like to play for La Selecta, his response was, "I would love to play for La Selecta, it would be a dream come true." Does he speak a word of Spanish? "No. I understand it more than I speak it, I need to learn it." The blue and white runs in his blood. As a young boy, he followed La Selecta on TV with his dad and grandfather. His father talked to him about the country, the team, and how proud he would be to see him dressed up in blue. While he is also half Canadian, Jose feels very proud of his Salvadoran roots.

He began playing soccer at the age of 5, and at the age of 11 he played with his first team, "Battle River Lighting". Later he played for Club America Academy, and traveled to Mexico on multiple occasions to participate in different tournaments. At the age of 18, he joined CEFA (Canadian European Football Academy). It was there in 2009 when the door opened to European soccer. Jose went on different tryouts with German clubs and signed his first contract with SV Stuttgarter Kickers. He played there for one season, and later joined his current club, FC Pipinsried of the German 6th division. He missed almost the entire 2010 season due to knee injury. In early 2011, he underwent minor knee surgery, and is currently doing rehab in hopes of playing the upcoming season. FC Pipinsried need to finish in the top ten this season to be promoted to the 5th division. 

The 6'1 21 year-old usually plays as a central defender, but with his current team he plays as a right back. Speaking the language has not been a problem for Jose. In the two years he's lived in the country, he has learned to speak German, and he is now learning Spanish on the internet. In a recent chat with SelectaTalent.com, Jose told us "If I get a call from the Salvadoran National team one day, I want to be ready and able to communicate with the coaching staff, so I'm trying to learn it on the internet". 

Jose is not the only member of the Acosta family to pursue a soccer career in Europe. His 18 year-old brother Alex will travel to Germany this summer to participate in a series of tryouts with various German clubs.

Salvadoran/American goal keeper Derby Carillo has signed for 1 year with USL-Pro club, F.C New York. Derby spent the last few months training with St. John's University to stay in good physical shape. This will not be the first time that the 200 lb 6'4 goalkeeper gets an opportunity at professional level. In early 2010 Derby trained with MLS club Seattle Sounders and signed a six month contract, he participated in 2 reserve games, and traveled with the Club to Spain an played a few friendlies.

Carrillo was on the radar of former Salvadoran national team coach Carlos De Los Cobos, and hopes that he will now get the opportunity he's been waiting for to represent la Selecta Cuscatleca. Derby has already begin the process to get his Salvadoran passport in preparation for his call to the National team. We will follow and support Derby on his journey.