Colorado Rapids’ defender Sam Vines shines for USMNT

Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty ImagesIt is said that hard work, self-confidence, and perseverance delivers results. For Sam “Sammy” Vines, the Rapids defenseman from Colorado Springs, his dedication to the game was evident yesterday during his 77 minutes of play in the USMNT friendly. In the 20-year-old’s first cap (and start) for the U.S. Men’s National Team, Vines helped his fellow young Americans’ team defeated the Ticos of Costa Rica 1-0 in Carson, California before a crowd of 9,000+ sun-drenched fans.

In December, Yanks’ Head Coach Gregg Berhalter recruited and fielded the youngest senior team ever in advance of the Men’s U-23 Concacaf Olympics qualifying tournament scheduled for this…