Getting to Know Top Soccer Player Amobi Okugo

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Amobi Okugo is one of the top male soccer players in the class of 2009. He has already commited to UCLA with big dreams and plans. Along with that, he is ranked as the #4 player in the country by ESPN Rise and the #1 player by TopDrawerSoccer.com. We recently got in contact with Amobi and asked him a few questions.

How does it feel to hold the #1 spot for Top 100 Men Soccer players on Topdrawersoccer?
“It feels great to be recognized as one of the top players in the nation. It’s gratifying to be rewarded for your accomplishments by such a prestigious american soccer company. It also reminds you how much hard work you put into the game and if you don’t stay consistent someone else can take that spot.”

Why did you choose UCLA for soccer?
“After a long college process, my parents and I decided that UCLA was the best school for me. My parents really wanted me to stay close to home after being in residency for so long so that played a key role. Coach Jorge Salcedo along with the whole UCLA staff are a very good coaches, Coach Jorge having played himself understands his players and pushes them to their full potential. UCLA’s tradition and ability to give their players the most exposure to the pro ranks really caught my attention. Their tough schedule, players already there, and connection to train with Galaxy or Chivas in the offtime were other factors why I chose UCLA in terms of soccer. UCLA is also a great academic school that works hard to aid the student athletes with their particular needs.”

What are your goals for the upcoming soccer season at UCLA? “A few goals for the upcoming college season would have to be to repeat the Pac-10 title, win a national championship, and get selected as all-freshman 1st?team”? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

Do you believe there is an advantage going pro when your in college over high school? “I think it really depends on the player. Some individuals need the 1-2 years in college to become self-independent and use to playing older players and fighting for a spot.”

You live in California, what are the advantages in staying home??“California is one of the few places you can play year round. The club teams in california are known to be very competitve as well.

“Do you want to play in the MLS or overseas when you are ready? What team??“I think every young player aspires to play overseas. I want to play in the Bundesliga or La Liga to start off before playing in the EPL. The MLS would be good too especially now that it’s growing but I would prefer overseas”

Who is your favorite soccer player??“My favorite soccer player right now would have to be Michael Essien … you might not see him in all the highlights but he’s the real deal”

Last year UCLA lost in the first round, how do you think you can help improve them and make them a better team??“Hopefully I can provide balance in the midfield, our incoming class is very good and to add to the players they already have will be something special next fall.”

A lot of kids out there want to be like you, what is some advice you can give them??“Some advice ummm: there’s always someone working just as hard or harder than you so make sure you stay consistent and strive to get better…..touch the ball as much as possible it helps in the long run and watch soccer games because you can also learn alot from those players that have made it big

“Do you feel like soccer is an unappreciated sport in the U.S.A? How do you think it’s exposure can grow??“I feel soccer is somewhat unappreciated in America. Lack of understanding for the game and impatience are two reasons American specatators don’t like soccer. Most Americans don’t like watching a 90min game and seeing no goals. Soccer gets little publicity on sportscenter unless someone scores an insane goal. Soccer is really growing in America though, I think it’s going to take one of our men’s national teams winning something for it to really explode. The MLS is making strides and alot of people are finally growing fond of soccer.”

As you can tell from the responses by Amobi, he has a great knowledge of the game and is a smart kid. We wish him the best of luck for the upcoming season at UCLA!?

*All Interviews are done through Facebook/Email/Myspace with all REAL people. NO fakes here!

* Photo is from http://www.topdrawersoccer.com/images/stories/amogimug2.jpg

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