Edinburg Daily Review

By RAUL GARCIA JR | Edinburg Daily Review

EDINBURG — We had caught up with Liam Torkelson who recently helped area soccer team United 956 to the US Soccer Club’s 2024 National Championship. Here is what he had to say about his recent success on the field.

Q: Jersey Number

A: 11

Q: Position

A: Midfielder

Q: When did you know you wanted to play soccer, and how hard did work you to get to the level you are at now?

A: At first I didn’t enjoy soccer, back when I played in MYSA. My parents said I used to sit down on the field and pick at the grass and dirt. If it wasn’t for my parents I probably would not be playing the sport anymore. It wasn’t until I was around 8, that I started enjoying the sport, and from there it’s been my life.

Q: What is your most memorable moment as a player this season?

A: My most memorable moment this season was when I lifted the trophy after we won the national cup. It was really a once in a lifetime experience.

Q: What  was it like for you traveling the country and winning it all?

A: It felt surreal, I mean we had been preparing for the tournament for 8 months. It was 8 months of blood, sweat, tears, and hard work.

Q: What was your biggest challenge on the way to the championship?

A: My biggest challenge was hurting my ACL in the second game of the tournament. It was really tough not being able to play the rest of the tournament that I had prepared so hard for.

Q: Tell us what you were feeling and thinking about heading into the championship game?

A: Although I couldn’t play in the championship game, I felt a strong sense of unity with my team. I felt super confident with all of my friend’s abilities, losing wasn’t even in the equation.

Q: How much fun was it winning it all, and what is your best moment of the championship game?

A: Even though my injury kept me on the sidelines I went through every emotion the team felt, every up and down the team went through in the championship game.

Q: What is your favorite part of being a  member of the team?

A: My favorite part of being a part of the team is the connection we all have with each other. We are all brothers off and on the field. It’s an amazing feeling that I get play alongside some of my closest friends.

Q: What set your team apart from all the other teams across the country you competed against?

A: I think what set us apart was our skill and technical ability. Every team we played was bigger than us.

Q: Who is your favorite soccer player?

A: Marco Reus

Q: Who is the greatest soccer player of all time?

A: Messi

Q: Favorite Movie?

A: Superbad

Q: Favorite Restaurant?

A: Popeyes

Q: Who would play you in your Hollywood movie?

A: I would play myself.

Q: What School do you attend?

A: Nikki Rowe Highschool

Q: Grade

A: Incoming Sophomore