Marco Carducci insists 2012 has been the year where has learned exactly what it takes to make it at the top.
The 17-year old Vancouver Whitecaps goalkeeper took out the U17 Canadian Player of the Year award for his exploits with the Canucks youth team.
Along with his great form at international level, Carducci gained experience by training with the Whitecaps first team and he is now aware what would be required of him to become a top quality gloveman in North America.
"It's been the biggest year of my life," Carducci told The Province.
"A huge year in terms of development in a very professional environment where every day you're pushing yourself. I got to train with the first team, which was a huge learning experience, and to travel and play with the national team, it's like, 'OK, this is the level.'"
