Eddie Sanchez, freshman striker from Canby, Ore. has been performing at an exceptionally high level since the beginning of this season. He currently leads the team with eight goals in his first eight games as a Pilot.
What are your goals for this season?
I think that my goals are mostly centered on the goals of the team. I am just trying to make sure that I do what I need to do in order for us to make the playoffs. I try to play to the best of my abilities every game so that I can help us win as many as possible.
What can you credit for your fantastic ability to score goals this season?
I think just hard work. I have played soccer for a long time and have worked hard at it; so scoring goals really feels like I am getting some credit for that. I also cannot forget to credit the teammates around me. Without them I never would have scored any of my goals.
How do you feel about coach Bill Irwin?
He is a fantastic coach. He is a fun guy to be around and he has a lot of experience both playing and coaching the game. He is a great mentor and I have already learned a lot from him in my first year as a Pilot.
What are some surprises of playing D1 soccer?
I think I was mostly surprised by the physicality of the game. Everyone is going at 100 percent all of the time. Not to mention most of the plays are much bigger than I am used to playing against, with most of them averaging heights of 6’ 4’’ or 5’’.
Why did you choose to come to UP?
I really liked the atmosphere here at UP. It is super soccer-centric school and I think that makes playing the game even more exciting for me. I also really enjoy the tight knit community that we have here. It is nice walking around campus and always running into people I know and people from the team.
Have you felt any added pressure from your coaches, teammates or other teams’ defenses as a result of your proficiency as a goal scorer this season?
No, I don’t really feel any added pressure. Every game is different and every team plays me a little differently. I just try to play smart every game and perform as well as I can.
What are your career goals?
I think that becoming a professional soccer trainer has always been a goal of mine. I try not focus on that though. I try to stay focused on where I am at right now and improving day in and day out, so that I can play to the best of my abilities.
What is the dynamic of being a freshman starter on the team?
Everyone on the team is very helpful and supportive of me. They treat me with the same amount of respect as they would any other member of the team.
What do you use as a motivation to keep working hard on and off the field?
My family is a huge motivation to me. I have a 6-year-old brother and he really looks up to me. Being an inspiration to him is very important to me so I try to focus on becoming the best player that I can be.
