Two Malibu High soccer players competed last month at the 2013 Maccabiah World Games, an international sporting event in Israel, and helped bring home a silver medal for America.
Brothers Jake and Jonah Gooden, both members of the Malibu High soccer team and the DMS11 Academy Soccer Club, were selected to play with the USA Youth Men’s Soccer Team with players from throughout the country. They competed against players from countries including Sweden, Brazil and Israel.
The first game against Sweden was a highlight for the brothers: Johan helped lead the team to victory when he scored a goal with a bicycle kick.
The team advanced to the gold medal round, also defeating Brazil, Canada and Argentina. They lost the final match to Israel 2-1, bringing home a silver medal.
The World Maccabiah Games take place in Israel every four years and are sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee. They are the world’s largest Jewish athletic competition, and the third-largest sporting event in the world.
The games are part of the international Maccabi organization that uses athletic, cultural and educational programs to strengthen Jewish bonds and create a heightened awareness of Israel and Jewish identity, according to Maccabi USA.
Jake and Johan are both members of the Malibu Jewish Center and Synagogue. Â