Ewa Beach Soccer Star Clinches Regionals for Nike Rush ’99
Boogie Mattos helped lead his Nike ’99 Rush Team to victory at the recent U.S. Youth Soccer Far West Regionals in Phoenix with an overtime goal. Photo courtesy of Peachy Crowder.
Mattos’ overtime goal was the game-winner in what had been a tightly contested encounter. Mt. Hamilton had been the top-seed in the tournament, while Nike Rush was the last team into the championship bracket, having been seeded eighth.
“The game felt like it was the championship game,” said Mattos, who lives in Ewa Beach. “I played most of the game at mid-field, but Coach Stan (Fuller) had put me up front at forward. I had a ball go straight to my feet, and I had a defender at my back. I had to create some space, and I was able to finish it in the left corner (of the net).”
Nike Rush ’99 qualified for the regionals by winning the state soccer cup in late May.
On the eve of last week-end’s Hawaii International Cup, Mattos took some time away from the practice field to visit with MidWeek‘s West Oahu Islander.
What is your earliest soccer-related memory? I was about 4 when I started playing. I had really bad asthma, and the doctor told me I could expand my lung capacity by playing a sport.
My mom (Shani) thought soccer would be the best. I was a little scared at first because I didn’t know the sport, but I got the hang of it and began to meet people through soccer.
Who’s had the biggest impact on your life? My dad (Colin) has been my biggest influence. When I was first playing soccer, he’s the one who would train me on my off days. I tried to make myself the best player I could be.
What area of your game are you focusing on this summer? The one part of my game I’m trying to get down is my dribbling.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned through soccer? When you’re on the soccer field, there are no friends – unless they are on your team.
Who is Nike Rush ’99’s best “practice player” – the guy who gives 110 percent at all times?
David Tupper. He and I are captains. He’s the one who gets our team together, and he’s always trying to improve himself.
What Internet site do you frequent the most? GotSoccer.com.
What is your least favorite household chore? Washing the dishes.
What movie could you watch over and over? The Avengers.
When you turn on the TV, what channel do you go to first? HBO.
Do you play video games? What systems do you have? I have an Xbox360. My favorites are FIFA-2011 and NBA2K11.
You’re stuck on Kahoolawe and can have an endless supply of just one food. What would it be? Lau lau.
If you could have your pick, what celebrity would you choose as your date for a Saturday night? (Actress) Blake Lively from The Green Lantern.
