It was an easy decision for Brownsville Veterans Memorial forward Ari Soriano to pick Texas Southmost College to continue his soccer career — a familiarity with the roster and a new program has Soriano staying in Brownsville for at least the next two years.
Soriano signed with the Brownsville college Monday at Brownsville Veterans Memorial High School. The senior is the latest Brownsville area soccer player to commit for the club’s return to collegiate sports when they play in the fall at the NJCAA level.
“It is a very important milestone for me,” Soriano said. “I am just happy that TSC gave me the opportunity. They gave me the opportunity because of that hard work I put in. I am just very happy to continue my student-athlete career at TSC.”
Soriano scored nine goals in the highly competitive District 32-5A for a Chargers team that advanced to the playoffs, where they lost to state semifinalist Sharyland High in the first round.
“Ari played a very important role for the team this year by coming up with big goals and assists throughout the year,” Brownsville Veterans Memorial head coach Alberto Vasquez said. “I strongly believe that his level of play will easily transition to the next level, ensuring his success.”
The forward was thankful for his time at Brownsville Veterans. It was a tough year this season, he said, but he still enjoyed the process and winning a district title his sophomore season with the team.
Soriano is set to link up with former teammates and already knows most of the TSC roster, he said. Being able to be at a new program under former Brownsville Pace head coach Mario Zamora also led to Soriano choosing the Scorpions.
“We are going to have a really good chemistry,” Soriano said. “We are going to have a good time.”
Soriano plans to work on an associate degree while at TSC with hopes of studying kinesiology after leaving the school in Brownsville in two years. Soriano also hopes to continue playing soccer after his time with the Scorpions, he said.
“I am thankful for TSC for this opportunity, as well as my former coaches and my parents,” Soriano said.