By Matt Mauney | Associate Editor
Gustavo De La Garza, 13, is the goalkeeper for the Plant City FC Lancers Under 14 Boys Premier team. De La Garza’s team is coached by Richie Garcia, whose team is 0-1 on the year but coming off a successful season in the Division II of the league last year. De La Garza was a key player in that success, only allowing six goals all season while recording eight shutouts. The seventh-grader loves the game and plans to play for Plant City when he reaches the high school ranks.
How long have you been playing soccer?
Since I was 3.
Who got you into playing soccer?
My brother and parents played it, too.
What do you like about the sport?
Being goalkeeper
How long have you played that position?
Four years
What’s the most challenging thing about being a goalkeeper?
When to know what to do and making the right choices.
How did you become a goalkeeper?
My brother. He was a goalkeeper and he trained me.
How old is he?
He’s 22.
Did he play for the Lancers?
Yes, and he played in high school for Plant City.
What are some goals for you this season?
To win our division. We won Division II last year, and now, we’re in Division I.
You’ve had one game so far. What’s the biggest difference between last year and playing Division I?
Instead of just running around the teams actually pass the ball and run set plays.
What have you been working on as a goalkeeper?
Just working on reflexes and moving around.
Do you have a favorite professional soccer player?
Cristiano Ronaldo
Do you have any hobbies outside of soccer?
Not really, other than video games
What’s your favorite video game?
“Fifa 2013.” Really, the whole Fifa series.
Who do you normally play against in Fifa?
My brother
Who normally wins?
Me
What’s one of your favorite movies that came out recently?
Probably the new “Paranormal Activity”