Author Archives: Pedro Santos
Exclusive Interview with Stephen Payne
- 22 Julho 2019
- Pedro Santos
- 0 Comments
Earlier this year, Sammy brought you our “All Aboard the Hype Train” article with Stephen Payne. If you haven’t read it yet you can check it out HERE. A young right wing-back making waves for Varzim B, before being brought up to the first team squad where he made 19 total appearances with 1 goal in Portuguese’s second division. This past week he has signed on a free transfer to move to Portimonense in the Portuguese first division. We love to see our featured players doing big things so we wanted to catch up with Stephen going into his first season in the first division. Here is our second exclusive interview with USYNT and Portimonense Right Wing Back, Stephen Payne.
1. How much do you think college soccer prepared you for soccer in Europe?
I think UCLA made me prepared in terms of physicality. Playing against mostly seniors and juniors as a freshman made me grow up a bit I would say. If only the season could be longer maybe it would be better for all players.
2. What was the biggest takeaway from your time at Varzim?
I’m thankful to Varzim. The gave me my first professional debut season and was an incredible experience. Through all the ups and downs I would say the biggest takeaway was learning that every moment makes all the difference as a player. How you train, eat, rest, and live daily all play a huge factor into how you’ll play in the team.
3. What are your goals for this season at Portimonense?
I have many goals but obviously, first I just want to help the team in any way I can. I want to make my debut in Liga Nos and I know it’s that much closer to being achieved. Just have to stay focused and listen to the coaches and keep learning every day. I think with this whole squad the team has the ability to achieve something great this season.
4. Will you still be playing at in the Right Back role or could we see you move up the field at all?
I’d like to say I’m more of a Right Wing-Back because I’m always up the field. But I can defend pretty well so if I have the capacity to do it all, I think should push myself to do it. I believe it will help me to continue growing as a player.
5. What are you most looking forward to in the First Division compared to Second Division?
I think everything is just on a much bigger platform now. A lot of eyes in Liga Nos so it’s a really big opportunity. Obviously, the level will be higher, the players bigger, stronger and faster. I know that if I stay focused and work hard I should be able to make an impact and help the team.
6. Did you watch the U20 World Cup, and if so who were you most impressed with from the U.S. side?
Yes, I watched. Gotta give a big shoutout to my guys Chris Richards and Brandon Servania from Alabama. But I was really proud of the whole group and there is so much talent in that age pool. Those guys I mentioned plus Pomykal, Dest, and Soto really impressed me. But all of them did fantastic job and I wish them the best of luck in their careers.
7. Where can you see yourself in your soccer career in 5 years?
Where I would see myself in 5 years? I can’t really tell you at this moment. All I could say is I have the dream to play in the Champions League and back for the National Team one day. So I’ll keep working until I can achieve that.
8. Take us through A Day in the Life of Stephen Payne.
Well, a lot of days you have 2 trainings a day. But if it’s just one I normally wake up at 7 and get ready to go to breakfast. After we go to do treatment, get ready, and train at 10. After lunch and then usually you have the rest of the day free. So what you do with your free time is important. Maybe I could go to the gym, go for treatment and recovery, or just relax with some friends. I really take my rest seriously so I can be at my best for the next day. Obviously, a little FIFA before bed doesn’t hurt either.
9. What has your experience in Portugal been like?
I love it here in Portugal and I could see myself living here when my career is finished. I’ve learned the language and I love the culture here so I definitely would say I have enjoyed the experience.
10. Who would win in a one-on-one basketball game, the Kool-Aid Man of Tony the Tiger?
Cmon…. Tony the Tiger by 20.
Record destaca contratação de Payne
- 09 Julho 2019
- Pedro Santos
- 0 Comments
O norte-americano Stephen Payne, que nas duas últimas épocas representou o Varzim, vai ser jogador do Portimonense e discutirá com o ganês Hackman a titularidade no lado direito da defesa.
O acordo, já alinhavado, será fechado antes do início dos trabalhos da nova temporada, marcado para amanhã, com as inspeções médicas, apresentação e primeiro treino (fechado à comunicação social).
Na última campanha, Tormena, que estava cedido pelo Gil Vicente e ingressou no Sp. Braga, foi o jogador mais utilizado no lado direito da defesa, pelo que o Portimonense procurava um jogador para a função. O negócio com o Varzim envolvia também o central Jeferson (reforço do Penafiel), mas os algarvios acabaram por optar para essa posição por Willyan, ex-Cova da Piedade.
Do Japão poderá chegar o jovem Nakamura, de 18 anos, do Gamba Osaka, que deverá ser integrado nos sub-23
The north-american Stephen Payne, who has played Varzim for the past two seasons, will play Portimonense and discuss a place with Ghanaian Hackman on the right-hand side of the defense.
The agreement, which has already been completed, will be closed before the start of the new season, scheduled for tomorrow, with medical inspections, presentation and first training (closed to the media).
In the last campaign, Tormena, who was loaned by Gil Vicente and joined Sp. Braga, was the most used player on the right side of the defense, so Portimonense was looking for a player for the role. The deal with Varzim also involved central Jeferson (reinforcement of Penafiel), but the Portimonense eventually opted for this position for Willyan, former player at Cova da Piedade.
From Japan, young 18-year-old Nakamura from Gamba Osaka, who will be joining the U-23s
Texto e foto: Record
Sané marca na goleada do Tourizense
- 20 Maio 2019
- Pedro Santos
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Mamadú Sané foi, novamente, eficaz no ataque do Tourizense, num encontro em que a sua equipa goleou o Marialvas, por 4-1, na última jornada da Divisão de Honra da AF Coimbra.
O ponta-de-lança marcou mais um golo nesta partida, na sequência de boa exibição, e aumentou para nove o número de remates certeiros nesta época.
O Tourizense terminou a temporada no sexto lugar da classificação, com 52 pontos conquistados.
Zau marca na goleada do Sporting de Cabinda
- 13 Maio 2019
- Pedro Santos
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Zau contribuiu com um golo para a vitória do Sporting de Cabinda, em casa, diante do ASA, por 6-2, na 29ª jornada do Girabola.
O central demonstrou a vocação para se destacar no sector ofensivo, ao concretizar o terceiro golo da sua equipa.
O Sporting de Cabinda ocupa o décimo primeiro lugar na tabela classificativa, com 30 pontos somados, e já garantiu a permanência no principal campeonato angolano.
Miguel Simão promovido aos seniores do Loures
- 29 Abril 2019
- Pedro Santos
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Miguel Simão já está a treinar com o plantel da equipa principal do Loures, que disputa o Campeonato de Portugal.
O jovem lateral sobressaiu nos juniores, demonstrando solidez defensiva e talento inato para integrar lances no ataque. Como consequência, criou assistências para golo e também mostrou dotes como finalizador.
A cumprir a última época como júnior, Miguel Simão, de 18 anos, viu, assim, o seu trabalho reconhecido pela equipa técnica liderada por Sérgio Bóris.