Nelson Vargas
ON THE RECORD · 6 verbatim quotes · every quote source-verified
“If it would have happened today, it would have been a big deal,”
Nelson Vargas · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-26
Vargas reflected on how little attention the trio's 1991 debut received compared to what it would get today.
“This kid Cavan, he has all the tools. Why not let him test himself against the best players, the older players? The only way you learn how to deal with the fire sometimes is to get thrown into it.”
Nelson Vargas · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-26
Vargas endorsed letting Sullivan test himself against older and better players as the best way to learn.
“It is great that these kids get these opportunities,”
Nelson Vargas · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-26
Vargas praised the opportunities now available to young players like Cavan Sullivan.
“becomes a lot harder to manage with grown men, if you’re not used to it. Everything happens a lot faster.”
Nelson Vargas · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-26
Vargas reflected on the increased speed and difficulty of the senior game compared to youth soccer.
“But soccer in the US just wasn’t what it is now, at all, there was no social media or coverage back then. But that is what it is.”
Nelson Vargas · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-26
Vargas noted the lack of media coverage and social media when the three high schoolers debuted for the USMNT in 1991.
“If you’re good enough,”
Nelson Vargas · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-26
Vargas expressed his philosophy on youth players competing at a high level, drawn from his own experience playing in Miami's Sunday leagues at age 13.