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Just For Kicks Al Chase |
Perry headed from
Kauai to Costa MesaHAWAII'S prep players continue making important decisions about their future and college choices. Standouts Madison Perry and Brent Murakami know where they will pursue their academic goals and continue playing soccer.
This time also is when players make recruiting trips to the mainland to better evaluate their choices. Others are waiting on financial information from institutions where they have been accepted.
Perry, a center midfielder from Kauai High, will continue her soccer career at Vanguard in Costa Mesa, Calif. She made her decision after visiting the campus following the Nomads Tournament in San Diego during spring vacation.
"I met the team. They are a very good group of girls," Perry said. "The school offered a good financial package and has a good program in what I want to study -- sports medicine."
She also considered Southern Oregon, Hawaii and Portland State.
Murakami, a center midfielder on Mililani's four consecutive state championship teams, will play soccer for the Whitworth College Pirates in Spokane, Wash. The National Merit Scholar also considered Redlands, Concordia-Irvine and Pacific (Ore.) in what he termed a five-month decision-making process.
"One of the biggest pluses was the coach (Sean Bushey)," said Murakami, who will major in business marketing. "I have known him for quite a few years through (the Olympic Development Program). I see him every summer and the communication lines were established.
"Education-wise, Whitworth is a good school. I visited the campus and it is beautiful."
Pro update
Brian Ching, in his fourth professional season and third in Major League Soccer, is coming off the bench for the San Jose Earthquakes. The striker has played 55 minutes in three matches. He has taken one shot, scoring in San Jose's 3-1 victory over the New England Revolution on April 17.Zach Scott has signed for a third season with the A-League Seattle Sounders. The defender hails from Maui and played his college soccer at Gonzaga.
Scott spent a week before Christmas working out with the Los Angeles Galaxy of the MLS.
"It went well. I hope that another season with the Sounders will get me more chances with MLS teams," said Scott, who plays on the left side despite being a natural righty.
"It's been quite a process to learn how to play the left side, but now I feel more comfortable there than on the right."
Scott also played indoor soccer for San Diego after the Sounders' season last year, but found the wear and tear on his body was too much and returned to Seattle. Fortunately, his contract with the Sounders is good enough that he can concentrate on soccer, although he does help coach youth players.
Iovo Stefanov, a defender who lettered four years at Hawaii Pacific, has been offered a contract by the Wilmington, N.C., Hammerheads of the Pro Soccer League, second in the pecking order in the United Soccer League picture.
Earlier this spring, Stefanov had tryouts with the Sounders and the Charleston Battery, 2003 A-League champions.
"I'm so happy and relieved. I can't describe it. I plan to make the most out of it," said Stefanov, a Sofia, Bulgaria, native.
See the Columnists section for some past articles. Just for Kicks runs every other Sunday in the Star-Bulletin.
Al Chase can be reached at achase@starbulletin.com