In light of National Hispanic Heritage Month, it feels fitting to put a spotlight on one of the most culturally impactful sports in Latin America: fútbol. To do so, we highlighted Latin American students here at Southern who play soccer. With futsal season coming to a close, we had some members from the A-League team, Favela FC (popularly known as the "Brazilian team"), talk about their team and the season.
How do you feel your season has gone so far?
"I think that the season so far has gone very well. Unfortunately, our team has been going through some injuries, but we are still very focused and are not letting it get to our heads." – Bruno Moura (Captain)
"Our season has been good so far. We have not lost any games, but we are still trying to find our chemistry." - Joey Rocha
"The season has been great so far. We are facing different types of challenges in every game; however, we do wish that there were more A-League teams this year." - Luccas Ferreira
What are your team's strengths and weaknesses?
"I know that our team is overall very strong. We have an amazing attack as well as defense. Our biggest weakness is not coming back on defense when we need to defend." – Bruno Moura
"Our strength is that we pretty much know each other's strengths and weaknesses, so we can tailor our lineups accordingly. Our weakness is definitely the fact that we are not always playing intensely, and that is key to our victory." - Joey Rocha
"Our chemistry is definitely one of our strengths amongst others, which are clearly seen on the court. Our weakness is Luccas Ferreira." - Luccas Ferreira
Why did you decide to play with this team?
"The reason why I decided to play with this team is because last year I did not play indoor [soccer] with a mindset of winning A-League. I played just for fun. The team that I was with did really well. So this year I decided to form a very strong team that can win A-League." - Bruno Moura
"I decided to play for this team this year because for four years, my friends kept trying to get a Brazilian team together, and with this year being my last, I agreed." - Joey Rocha
"I’ve made great friends during my college years, a few of them on this team. Plus, what’s a soccer team without a fourth Luccas, amirite?" - Luccas Ferreira
What's your goal for this season, both personally and as a team?
"My personal goal this year is to become a better and smarter player. My team’s goal is obviously to win the league because we believe that we are the best team and have what it takes to win it all. As Brazilians, we expect to be the best when it comes to soccer. It is in our blood, so we always expect to win." - Bruno Moura
"Our goal is not only to win, but to play well this season." -Joey Rocha
"My personal goal would be to not get injured because leg day is life. The team’s goal is to grow together rather than win it alone." - Luccas Ferreira
You guys are known as the “Brazilian team.” How does this affect the way you guys play together? Does it affect your chemistry?
"We're all very close and open with each other. When we play, it is easy to have good chemistry because we know how to communicate with each other." - Bruno Moura
"I think our chemistry is better because we are Brazilian, and we kinda know how each other plays." -Joey Rocha
"This does not affect us as much as most people think, although one advantage is our communication in Portuguese." - Luccas Ferreira
Does playing with the Brazilian guys remind you of home?
"Yes, playing with these guys brings back good memories from Brazil. We share stories and laughs with each other everyday. It’s great." - Bruno Moura
"It makes it more passionate I think, but it does not necessarily make me think of home." - Joey Rocha
"Not quite. Most of us were born or raised in the U.S." - Luccas Ferreira
Soccer is a huge part of Latin culture. Would you say that playing soccer with the Brazilian guys brings you closer to you heritage? Why or why not?
"Yes, I feel like when we all play, we think that we are just back in Brazil playing soccer in a neighborhood with our friends. It really brings me closer to my heritage because I didn't usually hang out with Brazilians until I came to Southern." -Bruno Moura
"Yeah it brings us closer because we speak the language with each other, and it makes it more homey." -Joey Rocha
"A little. Despite growing up in the U.S., we have that “jeitinho brasileiro,” meaning that Brazilian touch/swag on the court that most Brazilians are born with." - Luccas Ferreira
