10 Questions With ... Danny Vargas -- Men's Soccer

Our second weekly installment of "10 Questions With ..." features men's soccer standout Danny Vargas. 

1. Do you remember when you first started playing soccer? What is it about the sport you love so much?

"I first started playing when I was four years old … my dad was my first trainer and ever since them, I really fell in love with the sport. I remember playing in my first match shortly after that and it was such a great feeling. That's where my career really started for me."

2. As a goal-scoring forward, how tough is it to try and score when the other team knows that is your main primary responsibility on the field? What's it like playing with the bullseye on your back??

"Late in a game, It's definitely hard to find the ball in the back of the net. You really have to study their defense, perhaps see if any defenders are flat-footed back there and try and beat them that way. Perhaps they've studied you as well. It's important to practice hard and work well with both feet. Usually I shoot with my left foot, but you need to use both at any time. Those situations can be a 50/50 game and you just have to push hard and out-work your opponent.

3. For those not too inclined with the sport, what's with all the flopping??!! Come clean, Danny … have you ever flopped on the field?

"Ok, I'll be honest … there was one flop that I did, but I'm not that kind of player. I remember when we played Golden West last year and people thought I flopped, but the guy pulled my shirt and pulled me to the ground! But I've seen the flopping on the field. The one time I DID do that, I actually felt guilt about it, but it's part of the sports now. At the end of the day, the goal is to win and if that's what it takes, then that's what it takes. It sucks, but you're trying to win."

4. Tell me about your off-season training program and what you've been doing this year during our current COVID situation?

"When COVID hit, it was really tough because we were getting ready for next season. We had a great year last year and we're excited to try and go even further this year. But during the lockdown, I was eating bad and not motivated. Now, I definitely have that drive and motivation back so I've been doing a lot of agility drills and working out and eating much better."

5. What are your goals for this upcoming year? Any advice for the incoming freshman for this year's team?

"For me, individual accomplishments are awesome, but it's more about the team. I won MVP last year but if it wasn't for my teammates, I don't get that. New guys need to learn and adapt to our program and the system we play. Take the steps first. The coaches want us to be "uncomfortable to get better" and as a new teammate, you just want to keep getting better with great intensity. No matter how great you are as an individual, you need your team to be great also."

6. If I gave you a 24-hour pass from COVID and you could do anything that you used to do, what would it be?? What do you miss the most from this isolation??

"I'd love to take my family to Barcelona and see a Barcelona game. That's always been on my bucket list. I want to see Lionel Messi play."

7. All kids like to eat … what are your favorite meals??
   1. Favorite food in general – " I love pasta, especially if I need the carbs! If I had to pick a favorite, it would chicken alfredo."
   2. Favorite pre-game snack – "Protein Bar, or some rice or veggies or turkey."
   3. Favorite post-game meal – "Honestly, probably the same thing. Anything healthy after a match."
8. When you're not playing soccer, what do you enjoy doing?? Any hobbies or interests???

"I enjoy playing video games. I love playing FIFA '20 and Call of Duty. Of course when I'm playing FIFA, I'm Barcelona or I also like to be Holland. I also love going to the beach, hiking and I really want to get into golfing."

9. What kind of coaches has Glenn Strachan been to you?? What lessons have they taught you the most about soccer or just about life in general??

Once I met Glenn, I knew he was an amazing person. He's really been like a second father to me. Glenn has made me a better player and also a better person. I'm flattered and honored to have him as my coach."

10. What are some of your plans after OCC?? Perhaps a career beyond Soccer??

"After this year, I would like to go to a four-year college and make a new life. I want to major in business and after college, I'd eventually like to start my own company. Soccer will always be my love and passion so I'd like to play that sport as long as I possibly can."