Malibu twin brothers Jacob and Jonah Gooden represented Team USA at the 2011 Pan American Maccabi Games in Sao Paolo, Brazil recently. The brothers helped bring home a silver medal for the red, white and blue.
By Dick Dornan / Special to The Malibu Times
Malibu twin brothers Jacob and Jonah Gooden recently took leave of sunny Southern California for an awe-inspiring voyage to the birthplace of samba and the spiritual home of futbol, also known as soccer. The Goodens took part in the 12th Pan American Maccabi Games, representing the Team USA soccer squad for one week of competition. The brothers bring home silver medals to Malibu for their efforts.
“It was great to represent my country and I had fun,” Jonah said. “The entire experience is something that I will never forget.”
His brother seconded that notion.
“It was very competitive and exciting,” Jacob said. “Representing your country gave you something to play for.”
The Goodens have been a part of the Maccabi Games for the past few years in the United States. When the opportunity arose to play for Team USA in Brazil, they didn’t hesitate and applied immediately with Maccabi USA. Once they were accepted on to the squad, the boys traveled to Dallas, Texas after Christmas and trained for two days with the junior boys’ soccer team.
The sophomores from Malibu High School then flew to Sao Paolo and joined an American delegation of more than 300 athletes in the opening day ceremonies. Jacob felt he was part of something special that day.
“We had one of the largest delegations as we walked in,” Jacob said. “It was cool to see the different countries walk in and be a part of an awesome experience.”
Each country played four games in pool play. Team USA went 1-3 as they defeated Peru 4-0 but lost to Mexico, Argentina and Brazil.
Jacob and Jonah, 15, began the tournament coming off the bench, but by the medal round the two of them had earned starting positions.
The Americans were seeded fourth in the medal round and faced a rematch with Argentina, the number one seeded team. This time the result was different.
Tied at one apiece at the end of regulation and double overtime, the two countries squared off in a thrilling sudden death shootout. Team USA prevailed 6-5 in the shootout to advance to the gold medal game.
“When we beat Argentina in the semifinals it was something I will never forget,” Jacob said. “It was one of my favorite games that I have ever played in.”
In the championship match, the host country was too much to handle as Brazil knocked off the Americans decisively, 5-0.
Jonah felt the speed and quality of competition should help his brother and him as they re-join an undefeated MHS boys’ team that is ranked nationally by MaxPreps.com.
“I felt the speed of the game in Brazil was a lot faster, but it should prepare us for league play,” Jonah said.
Aside from playing soccer, the Gooden twins got to enjoy the beautiful South American beaches each day while developing friendships from players across the globe.
“It was fun meeting new people and learning about their culture,” Jacob said. “It was hard trying to learn how to speak Portuguese.”
Engaging with the foreign players on and off the field were moments the Goodens will always remember. Exchanging uniforms and other gifts made the experience complete.
“I hope to keep my friendships for a long time,” Jonah said.
Maccabi USA develops, promotes and supports international, national and regional athletic-based activities and facilities. It strives to provide Jewish athletes the world over the opportunity to share their heritage and customs in competitive athletic settings. Maccabi USA supports programs that embody the Maccabi ideals of Jewish continuity, Zionism and excellence in sports.
“It was incredible,” said their father, John, of his twins’ Pan-American experience. “They made us very proud. It was quite an experience for them and for us.”
“All the hours and hard work paid off,” added their mom, DeDe. “It was great to see them feeling good about themselves.”