Sounders FC U-23 Feature -- www.soundersu23.com
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
TACOMA, Wash. – He may only be 22 years old, but Lucas Baldin has a wealth of soccer and life experience. The son of an international business-man, Baldin was born in Brazil, has lived in Argentina, Mexico and the United States. In addition, he has played academy soccer with Vitória of Brazil, Cruz Azul U17, Atlante reserves and Toluca U20 teams in Mexico.
In 2009 Baldin made a huge life decision. With his parents moving back to Argentina, and having just signed a contract to play for Toluca's U20 team, he decided to stay living with his older brother in Mexico City, and pursue his dream of playing pro soccer.
While with Toluca, he had the opportunity to occasionally train with the first team, and the U-20 team regularly scrimmaged against the first team. During this time, Baldin was fortunate to meet and talk with one of his idols, Sinha, the Brazilian-born, Mexican World Cup veteran that played for Tolcua.
“It was just an incredible experience and really great opportunity for me,” said Lucas Baldin, who loved his life in Mexico. “They received me and my family with arms wide open. I couldn't appreciate it more; all the opportunities I had in Mexico. I really grew as a player and a person.”
Unfortunately, obtaining a Mexican citizenship was proving to be quite difficult for the young foreigner. Baldin had always been a good student and had aspirations of to coming America, where he could get a great education and the prospects of playing soccer in America was also quite appealing. With the support and blessing of his parents, back in Brazil, as well as his brother, who just graduated medical school in Mexico, Baldin began to look into setting off on his own, and move to the United States.
Having been recruited by several universities, Baldin ultimately chose University of South Florida.
“I felt a very good vibe," said Baldin about the impression of the USF coaching staff. “When I started to look at the campus online, the facilities, the stadium they were going to build, something inside me just said--go to USF, that's your place!”
Baldin describes the move to the United States as "perfect, just perfect!"
Baldin is a very mature and grounded young man. He refers to his brother as his "hero." The player he most closely follows is Kaká. As a child, Baldin was a huge supporter of São Paulo, where Kaká began his career.
“I love the way that Kaka plays and he plays in the same spot as I play,” said Baldin. “He is a huge role model--not just because of the way he plays, but because of the way that he takes care of himself on and off the field.”
An economics major, Baldin has received Big East All-Academic honors for his work in the classroom. University of South Florida head coach, George Kiefer spoke quite highly of the talented midfielder.
“Lucas is a class act," said Kiefer. "He does excellent in school, so academically his grades are very good. He's a good-good person. He's raised from a good family. [He’s a] first class guy. He's always shaking your hand when he comes in, he's polite and respectful.”
On the field is where Baldin really shines.
“He's very good at keeping a rhythm to the game,” added Kiefer. “He's a leader on the field, he's very good tactically and you'll hear him communicating on the field.”
An attacking midfielder with a team-first mentality, Baldin looks to put his forwards in front of goal; he has tremendous vision and passing ability.
Speaking of his team-first mentality, Baldin said, “If my teammates score, that's a goal for me--I'm as happy as possible!
“For me, there is nothing more important than for my team to win,” said Baldin. “I sacrifice all I have for my teammates.”
In January, Baldin and Kiefer sat down to talk about the upcoming summer and where Baldin could play, to further his development. It became quite clear that he wanted to play for team affiliated with an MLS franchise, was well-run, and would contend for a championship. Kiefer spoke highly of Seattle Sounders FC and Baldin, too had been impressed with what he had seen and heard of the organization. It was then that Baldin reached-out to Sounders FC U-23 head coach, Darren Sawatzky, where he presented his case to earn a roster spot for the upcoming season.
Baldin's excitement and enthusiasm to join the Sounders FC U-23 is very apparent in talking with the young Brazilian.
“My objective right now is to have a great summer and to win the PDL championship with the Sounders. That's what is in my head right now--it's been stuck in my head for the last two months, I can't wait to get to Seattle and play!”
The ambitions of Baldin match those of Sounders FC U-23's overall philosophy: To win championships and to develop professional soccer players. The reigning Western Conference Champions had a number of players that have gone on to play at the next level, most notably; DeAndre Yedlin.
Baldin is a player with impressive talent and has an absolute desire to make it as a professional soccer player.
Kiefer believes in the talented midfielder as well, “I believe he's a guy that will be drafted into MLS,” said Kiefer. “I look at him technically and his brain, and I feel like he's a guy that can play at the next level.”
Be sure to come out and see all the talented players with Sounders FC U-23 this season. For more information on roster signings, schedule and U.S. Open Cup draw, visit www.SoundersU23.com, follow us on Twitter: @SoundersU23, or 'Like' us on Facebook.