Rubio Rubin (Photo via USsoccer.com)
With eight goals since June 25 for the US U-17 squad--including scoring in four straight matches--not to mention being mentioned as TopDrawerSoccer.com's #1 U.S. player in the Class of 2014, it's save to say that Timbers U-16 Academy player Rubio Rubin has been on a bit of a tear.
After training at the US Under-17 Residency Program since the 2011 Fall Semester, Rubin has traveled with the team to Spain and most recently to the Four-Nations Cup in Argentina where he tallied three goals in four matches.
USsoccer.com sat down with the Beaverton native to talk about playing so far from home and how his development has been coming along.
ussoccer.com: You’re a long way from home in Oregon being across the country in Florida at the Under-17 Residency Program. Do you ever get homesick?
RR: “I actually don’t. I feel like it’s part of life and you’ve got to make some sacrifices sometimes. I love soccer so much that this is what is best for me and my future. The decision to come here has made me a better player and developed me so much more than if I had stayed at home because I’m playing with the top-32 players in the country. I’m so blessed to be here right now and I’m thankful and cherishing this opportunity because there are thousands of kids that would want to be in this position. I know that my mom, dad, sister and brother are always going to be there supporting me. I do miss some friends and going to school with them, but eventually we were going to have to move away if you decide to go to college or go a different route. I’m not really that homesick and I’m just happy to be here. You’ve got to do what you got to do with things you love. This is such a great opportunity.”
It's a great interview about a promising Timbers Academy product.
Read the whole piece over at USsoccer.com.
