The San Diego State men’s soccer team is currently riding a two-game winning streak after defeating Point Loma Nazarene UniversityandClemsonUniversity. The Daily Aztec’s Adriana Bush caught up with junior forward Jordan Ongaro to talk about his achievements and what it was like growing up in Canada.
Daily Aztec: How well do you think the team is playing this season?
Jordan Ongaro: I think the team is progressing gradually and is getting better and better as the season is going on. The results aren’t coming, but the playing and the ability of our skill is getting better and I think as soon as you put together the pieces, we are going to start winning and get on a roll.
DA: So far, you are leading the team with seven goals. Does this add to your motivation to score during games?
JO: Yes it does. It motivates me to help the team more and help them get the victory. Even though we have a lot of other people that can finish the game, it helps me and keeps me moving.
DA: How did you react when you found out you were named Pacific-12 Conference Player of the Week, College Sports Madness National Offensive Player of the Week and to TopDrawerSoccer.com’s National Team of the Week? JO: I was very grateful… that my team helped me get there and it was more motivation to get better through the season and work harder. I found out all that stuff through the goaztecs.com site.
DA: What achievements are you most proud of this season?
JO: I think our best achievement was at the beginning of the season when we got our big tie against Indiana University. But I also think that we are progressing very rapidly and we are getting better and better and I think everybody knows that we just need to put together the pieces and we just need to believe in ourselves and then we will start winning games.
DA: What was your favorite game this season and why?
JO: My favorite game this season was the first night under the lights against Houston Baptist when we broke the attendance record and everybody was there. It just gave an extra hype to the team and an extra boost to finish the game.
DA: How long have you been playing soccer for?
JO: A long time. Since I was 8, so 12 years.
DA: Are there any differences between soccer played here and in Canada?
JO: It’s a much higher pace in America, which is helping me progress to be a better player.
DA: Have you ever played a position other than forward? JO: I have, but it didn’t go so well. Certain games I got put into midfield, but I like forward best.
DA: Are there any other sports that you enjoy playing?
JO: I love playing all sports. I enjoy playing volleyball a lot because I played as a kid. I also like playing basketball with my friends.
DA: Why did you choose to play for SDSU?
JO: I was with the Canadian national Under-17 team and we were playing against SDSU in an exhibition game and I wanted to keep my options open. I emailed the coach and he saw something he liked and that was my first offer and I thought it would be a great offer so I took it. I’d never been to California before.
DA: Do you miss living in Canada?
JO: I do. I always miss my family and I love going back during summer and winter breaks. I try to go back every spring and Thanksgiving break.
DA: What is your favorite thing to do in San Diego?
JO: My favorite thing is to go to the beach. That’s something I didn’t have where I lived in Canada. It’s very nice to go to the beach. The scenery and the weather are incredible here compared to where I’m from where it snows eight months of theyear.
DA: If you could pull a prank on one of your teammates, who would it be and why?
JO: It would be my roommate, John Pegg, just because we get into a couple rumbles. They’re all in fun though.
