Coffee and Questions with Alvaro Carrera at the https://www.thestandardclcl.com/
How did you come to play for us?
I came to do the tryouts for the UPSL team. Out of all of the players, I was the last one to be called. Coach Daniel called me at the very end. I started to train and play and it’s where I met Coach Yago. Coach Anderson came to watch a few of our matches. Then I got the invitation to train with the USL2 team in the mornings. From there was able to earn my spot on the team.
How was your first game with the USL2 team?
Totally different. The UPSL team has a younger group of players. The way it’s played is very different. My first USL2 game was versus Tampa Bay United. I noticed that the game was a lot faster and the pressure on the field was not the same. Also, players are mostly playing college and play very well so it was better. The group is very good so I was able to connect with them and that felt nice. A challenge but in a good way.
What do you think about the team?
The quality of this team is impressive. All the players play very well, every one of them. I see how the whole team really does their best at practice and work hard to be on the roster. Individually they all have strengths. They are all quality players.
Now you are starting. How is that?
I started on the bench and my feet would be itching for me to go in. Now I’m very grateful that I’ve been given the opportunity to be one of the starters. When I play I play for the team because I don’t win alone. When I win, we all do.
Tell us about the game you were selected as man of the match.
That was the first game I was part of the staring 11. Coach gave me the opportunity and I had in my mind that I had to make the most of it. I scored 2 goals and also assisted in 2 others. It felt so good, thank God.
We’ve heard about your free kicks, especially during practice, do you like taking those?
It’s not that I focus on free kicks but when I train I do like to shoot towards the goal. Ever since I was living in Ecuador, I would always practice shooting in all different ways. In the UPSL my first goal was a free kick. It did give me more confidence.
What do you think about the difference in how soccer is played here in the USA?
The biggest difference between the game here and in Ecuador can be attributed to the fields. The fields in the USA are much better overall. In Ecuador, we would play on dirt fields where we would need to run more as the ball would roll faster. We would sometimes play on nice fields but where I grew up it was mostly dirt fields. I would leave the matches covered in it. I think soccer here is very strong and in both places, I feel that the players give their best.
Do you think that your time playing on dirt fields has helped you?
It’s much easier to play on grass as the ball doesn’t roll as fast. It does move fast but not as fast as on dirt. Risk of injury is also a factor because on dirt there is a greater risk of stepping on uneven spots. I think it did help me to be able to play faster.
How do you feel about the team going into playoffs?
The group right now is very close. Everyone has come together. Many speak different languages but they try to speak Spanish with me whenever they can. They all try to help me since I don’t speak English very well. I feel very connected to the team and very happy that we are going into playoffs. It’s a joy that in my first year here we are able to do this.
