Courtesy: Milwakee Journal Sentinel


The Drill: Q&A with Milwaukee Wave's Marcio Leite

March 20, 2007

Brazilian transplant Marcio Leite, 22, had no intention of being one of the rookie scoring leaders in the Major Indoor Soccer League. But with 14 goals (one three-pointer), 17 assists and 46 points in 22 games, the native of Aracaju, Brazil, is No. 2 on the charts. New to the States, Leite had never been this far away from home before, but the up-and-coming star has made it hard for local soccer followers to choose what is more impressive about his game: his scoring or his fluid passing. He spoke recently with Journal Sentinel reporter Lori Nickel.

Q: What was the biggest adjustment, the language, the weather, the cultural difference?

A: In the beginning, the English big. I can understand better than talk. But now I am kind of adjusting to the culture and everything.


Q: What about soccer-has there been an adjustment? Did you play outdoor?

A: I played Futsal, kind of indoor soccer, but we don't have boards and the field is smaller. Four players and one goalie.


Q: Was it your goal to come here lead the league rookies in scoring?

A: It's not my goal; my goal is to make the championship. For me, it is more important.


Q: Even when you're driving hard to the goal and beat your defender, you pass up chances to shoot so you can pass it to a teammate.

A: I like to shoot a lot, but I like to let someone else score. It's important; not me, but the team.


Q: Does your family in Brazil have any way to follow your games, your career?

A: The first thing that I bought here was my computer. We have messenger so we can talk.



Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com