For Rafael Monfoy, his trip to Dallas Sueno MLS 2008 took 15 hours. While the Montgomery, Ill. resident won't have to make the long trek to Texas in the same way, he was ready, willing and able to do so.
One of only four goalkeepers chosen to advance to the next round, the 20-year-old Monfoy is among the 60 players invited back to the next round of Sueno MLS, which will take place on Saturday at Pizza Hut Park.
"I was pretty sure that I was coming back," Monfoy said. "I told my dad that I didn't want to be cocky or anything but I felt like I had done a pretty good job and was pretty confident that I was going to make it. I also told my friends that I would be back next week. But I didn't want to get excited, have my hopes high and then not make it."
Monfoy and his father drove the long hours from Illinois to Frisco last week and he took the field on Friday at noon. The coaches in attendance asked him to stay for a few extra games that same day and then he and his father left to return home after Monfoy played in some five games. Travel won't be an issue this weekend as Monfoy is flying to Dallas instead of making another long drive.
When Sueno officials contacted him this week to inform him that he was one of the 60 players chosen to advance, Monfoy wasn't available to take the call.
"I was actually at work, couldn't pick up at the time and let it go to voicemail," he admitted. "I listened to the message and am very excited to go down there again. I plan to do my best and see how it goes."
Born in Jalisco, Mexico, Monfoy came to the U.S. when he was in middle school. He started playing soccer at age five but didn't start between the posts until a little later.
"My dad has been the main guy this whole time," he said. "Ever since I was younger back in Mexico, we have been playing soccer. He has always played soccer too and when I was five or six, he got me started. I didn't play 'keeper when I started but remember playing up top and midfield.
"I moved to the U.S. and when I was in seventh or eighth grade, there wasn't anyone to play 'keeper, so my dad saw some qualities in me to play there and suggested that I try it and see how it went. I jumped in and ever since I still want to play in the field, but I like playing there."
Playing in goal provides a real challenge for Monfoy. "The pressure can be a lot there because one mistake can cost you a goal but I like the pressure," he said. "Dealing with it pushes me to do better."
Since he was born outside of Guadalajara, Monfoy, like the rest of his family, calls Chivas his club of choice. He watches several of the young Mexican 'keepers but calls another who plays in Europe his favorite.
"I really like the way (Iker) Casillas plays for Real Madrid," Monfoy said. "He hasn't left that spot since he started and is a really good player. I try to analyze what he does, how he reads the plays, when he comes out and how he dives. That's the main player that I like to watch."
Being the only player from Illinois left in the competition thrills Monfoy. "You know how that makes me feel," he asked. "Now, I'm even more excited."
While pleased with his performance during Sueno's opening weekend, Monfoy knows that he will definitely have to improve upon it if he is to be among the final 18.
"The way I looked at it when I went last week, I knew that it wasn't about winning the game," he said. "It was more about doing well. I didn't care if they scored on me but I wanted to handle the pressure well in the competition. Even if I didn't win the game, as long as I could show my abilities and what I was able to do, then I would be happy with that.
"Making this first cut is a big accomplishment for me because this is a dream. That's what this whole thing is about. I just want to learn from it and deal with the pressure. If I can do that, then I think that I will be able to make it to the next round."
Steve Hunt is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
