Edinburg Daily Review

By RAUL GARCIA JR | Edinburg Daily Review

EDINBURG — We had caught up with Tonatiuh Perales-Valencia 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: Full Name

A: Tonatiuh Perales-Valencia

Q: Jersey Number

A: 1

Q: Position

A: Goal Keeper

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: My soccer journey that has included working countless hours, training multiple times a day and seeking new opportunities to improve. I began when I was 8-years-old in Tucson, AZ.

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

A: Winning the US Soccer Club’s 2024 National Championship after having worked so hard for an entire 8 month season.

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

A: It was memorable and inspiring because we were traveling with purpose and focus to achieve an amazing end goal of being National Champions.

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

A: The biggest challenge was pushing my body and my mind to prepare for the tournament while doing all I could to prevent injury and stay healthy.

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

A: My mantra was, “Finish the Job!”

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

A: It was blissful and running to the corner with my teammates after having gone 3-1 up was truly memorable.

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

A: I truly appreciate how I have been given space and time to grow as a player and person alongside my amazing teammates.

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

A: We had heart. We knew the effort that it would take and we dug deep to be our best selves and to win it all.

Q: Who is your favorite soccer player?

A: Cristiano Ronaldo or Íker Casillas

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

A: Lionel Messi

Q: Favorite Movie?

A: Recently Deadpool & Wolverine

Q: Favorite Restaurant?

A: El Último Taco

Q: Who would play you in your Hollywood movie?

A: Andrew Garfield

Q: What School do you attend

A: STISD World Scholars

Q: Grade

A: 11