Raphael Abreu from Stony Brook University on playing with Port Jefferson in the LISFL. Read more

By David Harris

Raphael Abreu in his first game for Port Jefferson against Oceanside United

Raphael Abreu is coming off his senior season with Stony Brook University and a very successful college career along with playing the past 2 seasons with the Brooklyn Knights of the USL PDL. So what’s next for Raphael? How about following in the path of many who have come before him, which is to play locally with a club in the LISFL. Raphael is currently finishing his studies at Stony Brook so what better place to keep playing soccer then with Port Jefferson SC? There’s no question that Raphael is a very talented player with an exciting future ahead of him, but for now the LISFL provides a terrific opportunity for him to stay match fit while developing his game by playing with and against a number of talented players. When asked about Raphael signing for Port Jefferson, LISFL President Gus Xikis had the following to say, "I think it’s great for the league to be getting all of these talented players. It will only make the league stronger and allow the teams to compete against teams from the other local leagues.". Recently, I was able to get Raphael’s thoughts about playing with Port Jefferson.

DH: What are your thoughts about getting the opportunity to play with Port Jeff as the team prepares to enter the second half of the season?
 

RA: I’m really honored and thrilled to be part of the Port Jeff group. I heard of the success the team had last season and know that the club is hungry for more. I am just looking to help the team win the league this season.
 

DH: What do you think you’ll be able to bring to the team?
 

RA: The teams attacking power is great having already scored over 30 goals in 8 games. Having a talented and experienced forward on the team like Guy-Roland Kpene will only help us create more scoring opportunities. I feel that with my addition, we will gain a different attacking presence that teams will have to deal with.
 

DH: How do you feel about getting to play with such a talented squad that includes players like Guy-Roland Kpene who has played in MLS?
 

RA: I am ready to learn as much as I can from Guy. Playing alongside someone who has played at the professional level excites me and can only help me become a better player. Being able to talk to and watch Guy play often is something I am really looking forward to.
 

DH: How do you think that playing in such a competitive league like the LISFL will help you improve as a player?
 

RA: Being able to practice with the Port Jeff team and play in games against competitive LISFL opponents weekly will help me get as many touches on the ball as possible. As a player, it is key to play as often as possible.
 

DH: What do you think Port Jeff’s chances are to continue the team’s great form from the 1st half of the season and win the league?
 

RA: I think that with the success the team had in the 1st half of the season, we are in a great position to continue strong and finish out the season on a high note, hopefully ending with the league title. I think the entire team will be ready and focused for our first game of the 2nd half of the season.

Follow Raphael Abreu on Twitter at @Rapha_Abreu9