GPS Portland Phoenix Feature -- www.mainepremiersoccer.com
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
PORTLAND, Maine -- As the PDL season approaches, the GPS Portland Phoenix will be featuring former players every week to see where their soccer career has taken them after playing for the Phoenix.
First up is former Phoenix full back Brian Fekete, who has worked his way through the college and PDL soccer system to the professional ranks. After being selected for the MLS SuperDraft in January 2012, he has found his way to USL PRO, and recently signed for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. Fekete joined the Phoenix in 2011 from his home town of Tampa, Fla., and returned the following year for another successful season in 2012.
Q: Can you explain your soccer experience growing up, where you played & for what team?
A: I started playing soccer at four years old. I had an older brother who got me into playing from a young age. It was difficult trying to stay with one team growing up, as they would often fold, so I would move onto the next side. I played pretty much everywhere in the Tampa Bay-area, as long as I was playing that’s all that mattered to me.
Q: Where did you play soccer at college, and what was the highlight of your college career?
A: I played at the University of Tampa and the highlight would be scoring a goal as a freshman from 40 yards out. It was pretty impressive as I would never shoot from that distance, and of course I was a defender.
Q: How was your time at Portland Phoenix?
A: I absolutely loved it. In my first season I came out with two of my best friends from Florida, but I was still young, so traveling to Portland was a big move for me. I had such a good time I returned back to the club for the second season by myself. In each season we qualified for playoffs I was fortunate to be part of two great teams. I defiantly made some life long friends for sure during my time at the Phoenix.
Q: What was the highlight of your time here?
A: Alongside the soccer of course, I would say socializing with the team. I made life long friendship with them all, and we all got on extremely well on and off the field.
Q: Explain your soccer career after playing for the Phoenix?
A: After my final season with the Phoenix I had one season left at College in Tampa Bay. I had a good fall season, and was then drafted by Sporting Kansas City. After a short stay there I signed with Orlando City, in what was my first full professional contract. I played there for one season, but decided to try out with a few other clubs in the league. I finished that process by signing for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, where I am currently.
Q: How does it feel to be a pro soccer player?
A: I’ve got to say its what I’ve worked for all my life. I wake up doing exactly what I want to do every day, it’s a dream. There are times when it gets tough, especially when you lose confidence and not knowing when you will be playing, etc, but its all worth it in the end.
Q: What are your thoughts about signing for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds for the second season?
A: Prior to signing I had another offer to join a club in California, but I decided to take the opportunity in Pittsburgh. Within the first week I realized this team was great, and I was able to play my style of game again. I was back to being myself on the field again, and I feel we have a great season ahead of us.
Everybody at GPS Maine would like to wish Brian the best of luck this season, and hope to follow his success as his career continues to grow.
As the PDL season draws closer, be sure to stay tuned to our club website for all the latest news from the league & the Phoenix PDL team.