NPSL Spotlight Interview With Dario Suarez
SoccerToday spoke with NPSL Player of the Week Dario Suarez in our latest highlight interview of the award’s recipients. The Cuban native previously represented his home country’s national team, being called up for the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Related Article: NPSL Player of the Week: Dario Suarez
NPSL Soccer News: AFC Ann Arbor forward Dario Suarez was awarded Mitre National Player of the Week honors following his four-goal performance during Week 11.
Suarez joined Ann Arbor in 2016 for the club’s inaugural year in the NPSL as he leads his club to another successful season.
SoccerToday spoke with Suarez as we present our latest feature of the NPSL’s Mitre Player of the Week.
Diane Scavuzzo: When did you join your team?
Dario Suarez: I joined AFC Ann Arbor last summer after trying out with Miami FC of the NASL. In the week before the season started my best friend, Hector Morales, called me and introduced me to coach Eric Rudland. After speaking with Eric I decided I was going to Ann Arbor.
Diane Scavuzzo: What do you like best about your team?
Dario Suarez: The main thing that I love about the team is how humble all the players and staff are. I really like the structure of the club and the way it is ran.
Diane Scavuzzo: How long have you been with your team?
Dario Suarez: After joining last summer and having a successful first season, I then looked to pursue my dream of becoming a professional soccer player. However, due to complications with my green card, I was unable to sign a professional contract at this time. I decided to come back to Ann Arbor this year for my second season.
Diane Scavuzzo: What is your position?
Dario Suarez: Left winger or anywhere in the attack.
Diane Scavuzzo: What do you like best about playing your position?
Dario Suarez: For many years I actually played as a number 10, but one of my coaches for the Cuba National team said I would be better playing left wing. I enjoy this position as I am very fast and like to assist and score goals.
Diane Scavuzzo: When did you first start playing soccer?
Dario Suarez: I have been playing soccer ever since I can remember. I first started playing competitive soccer when I was 6 years old.
Diane Scavuzzo: What team did you first play for?
Dario Suarez: My first team was a local team back home in Cuba called Cerro FC.
Diane Scavuzzo: Did you play collegiate soccer?
Dario Suarez: I do not play collegiate soccer. I came over to the U.S from Cuba in 2015 after defecting when traveling with the Cuban National Team for the Gold Cup.
Diane Scavuzzo: What does it take to be an impact player?
Dario Suarez: To have an impact as a player I believe you have to be humble and work hard every day for your team. You must be willing to make sacrifices along the way.
Diane Scavuzzo: Please tell us about your coach — what is he like to play for?
Dario Suarez: My coach, Eric Rudland, is a very good person who works hard every day to improve as a coach. He studies the game really hard and does everything he can to improve individual players and us as a collective team. I really enjoy playing for him.
Diane Scavuzzo: What inspires you?
Dario Suarez: One of my biggest inspirations is my grandfather. He raised me to be humble and taught me to always work hard as well as be willing to make sacrifices. For this reason, every goal I score is for my grandparents because they made me the person I am today.
Diane Scavuzzo: What are your goals as a player?
Dario Suarez: My goals as a player for my team is to do everything possible for us to win games. Whether that is by scoring goals or getting assists for my teammates. I also try my hardest to inspire younger generations to play soccer, and I try to be a good role model for them.
Diane Scavuzzo: Do you want to play in Europe or in the MLS?
Dario Suarez: My dream is to become a professional soccer player, whether that may be in Europe or the MLS. I would love to play in Europe as these are some the best leagues in the world. However, the way the MLS is growing right now I would love to be a part of this league.
Diane Scavuzzo: If you could pick any super power, what would it be and why?
Dario Suarez: The fans at Ann Arbor call me ‘Super Dario’ and in Cuba my nickname was ‘Captain America’. If I could have any super power it would be something that could help me to save or help others in need.
Diane Scavuzzo: Who is your favorite soccer team or player?
Dario Suarez: Real Madrid is my favorite team and Cristiano Ronaldo is my favorite player currently. However, my favorite player ever is Ronaldo Luiz Nazario Lima.
On a final note, Dario Suarez would also like tell readers: “I also would like to take the time to apologize for my actions in my previous game against Lansing United. My actions were completely uncalled for and I am sincerely sorry. I have let my team and my fans down, and I am doing everything I can to improve my character. I am extremely disappointed in my actions as I always aim to hold myself to a high standard and try to be a role model for the younger generation.”
