By Jack Phillips, Staff Writer
October 12, 2023
ROCKLAND - Senior Captain Joao Faria, who last year broke the Rockland High School record for single season goals, is trying to finish his high school career strong.
Faria said, “The only goal I have left is to win the state championship.”
As captain of the team, he needs to bring leadership and he provides it.
Head soccer coach Dan Kimball said, “The kids actually vote on the captains every year we start. two-years ago I always used to select captains but I had a change of heart and I had the team vote for them.”
Faria is a top player in the South Shore and he puts it on display in games.
Mr. Kimball said, “He's just a dynamic player. He makes everyone around him better and his touches are fantastic and his ability to score at will is something most players around here can't do.”
Faria can’t win it by himself, he helps his teammates and they all have the same goal.
Faria said, “To motivate my teammates and do the best we can, work hard and win games.”
There are 11 positions on the field and they have different meanings. Faria plays a very difficult striker.
Everyone has a different background of how they started playing soccer and Faria’s path is very cool.
Faria said, “I started playing soccer when I was around 4 years old in Brazil. My dad introduced it to me and I have been playing ever since.”
Faria has gotten looks from many high schools to play, but decided remaining to play for Rockland is best for him.
“I'm very passionate about my town and I want to represent it. I want to win states and I want to have fun my senior year,” Faria said.
Every player has a different trait but Faria has a special trait according to Mr. Kimball.
Mr. Kimball said, “He's just a dynamic player, he makes everyone around him better and his touches are fantastic and his ability to score at will is something most players around here can’t do. His control of the ball when it's at his feet and for sure his touches are next level. If everybody had that ability we would be an unbelievable team.”
Faria has an effect on the team but also the individual players.
Freshman soccer player, Kauan Barbosa, said, “He motivates us to beat other teams.”
There are many strong aspects of Faria's athletic abilities, but his dribbling in particular stands out to Barbosa, and this makes them all play better.
After four years of playing for the Rockland High’s soccer team, there is one memory that sticks out for him: making the playoffs in 2021.
Faria’s soccer advice for any player is to keep moving forward and to take it one game at a time.
“Keep working hard and don't give up. A bad game doesn't mean you are a bad player,” he said.
Faria has a very big decision to make when he graduates this spring.
Faria explained, “I plan on playing soccer at Division 1 or professional any opportunity that comes my way I will take.”
And although Faria has many looks from teams and colleges, another route he considers is returning to Brazil to play soccer for them.
“I could see that as an option if I have an opportunity to play for a team there.”