Rush Team Tries Its Luck In Vegas Cup
Keenan Soares
Keenan Soares and his Hawaii Nike Rush ’99 youth soccer teammates used stellar defensive play to punch their ticket for the U.S. Youth Soccer Far West Regionals in Phoenix last July.
This week, they’ll try and recapture the magic when Nike Rush begins play at the Las Vegas Mayor’s Cup International Showcase. Beginning Thursday, the team will play at least four games.
Soares is fresh off his freshman season at Campbell, which finished its 2012-13 campaign last week in the Division I state tournament. As with the Sabers, Soares is a mainstay in the back for Hawaii Nike Rush. He was a key contributer to Hawaii Nike Rush’s win over top-seeded Mt. Hamilton Atlas (of California) at the Far West Regionals from his defensive position.
“I’m really excited,” said Soares. “I should come back a better player, and travel is always fun. It gives me a chance to explore different places.”
Soares recently took some time away from the practice field to visit with MidWeek‘s West Oahu Islander.
What is your earliest soccer-related memory? I started when I was 7 years old. I can remember walking to practice the first day, and I was really nervous and didn’t know what to expect. I liked it, and I wanted to continue on.
Who’s had the biggest impact on your life? My mom (Lorna). She’s been there for me and supported me through hard times. She made me the person that I am today.
What area of your game have you been focusing on lately? Technicality. I’ve kind of struggled lately, and I could be making better decisions on and off the field.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned through soccer? Probably to remain calm. You have hard times, and you have to work your way through them.
Who is Nike Rush ’99’s best “practice player” – the guy who gives 110 percent at all times? Boogie Mattos. He plays center-back alongside of me. He always gives his all and helps other players to see things we wouldn’t see ourselves. He pushes us to our limit.
What Internet site do you frequent the most? Probably Facebook.
What is your least favorite household chore? Washing dishes. I hate that.
What movie could you watch over and over? It would most likely be a comedy, because I like to laugh.
When you turn on the TV, what channel do you go to first? Channel 230 – I like to watch soccer.
Do you play video games? What systems do you have and what is your favorite? I have an Xbox360. I probably play BlackOut the most.
You’re stuck on Kahoolawe and can have an endless supply of just one food. What would it be? Probably burgers from McDonald’s.
If you could have your pick, what celebrity would you choose as your date for a Saturday night? Alex Morgan from the U.S. National Soccer Team.
