Portland Timbers 2’s Victor Arboleda moved away from his native Colombia to play in the Rose City in 2016. Credited with the quickest goal in T2 history, the 19-year old midfielder showed his athleticism and speed up and down the flanks last season, earning a spot on USL’s 20 Under 20 as one of the top young players in the league.
He shared his thoughts on his first season in Portland, his favorite players to watch and getting to play with the first team.
Looking back the season, how would you describe your season with T2? What were your favorite moments from the season?
The best moments of the season – looking back – are the beginning, when I arrived in Portland. I had been inactive for a while, and just having the opportunity to get back on the field and play with a new team, that was a good moment.
Looking back at the season, it was a little difficult at the beginning because we lost a lot of games. But we started to [come together] more as a team, we got to know each other better and the team naturally grew together and started seeing a little better momentum. Towards the end of the season, we were almost there to make the playoffs. Unfortunately, it just didn’t happen for us.
Growing up, how were you introduced to soccer? Any players you looked up to?
Growing up, soccer wasn’t my first sport. I was more into [track] – I was more that type of athlete. I started running at the age of seven, and between the ages of seven and eight I was doing a little bit of both. When I was eight, I had to come to make a decision on whether I was going to be a track athlete or if I was going to be a soccer player. I chose the latter. Now, soccer is everything for me.
Growing up, my favorite player was Thierry Henry. Currently, I like the playing style of Juan Cuadrado and Neymar because they play – more or less – the same position I do.
Your first time moving away from home, how have you adjusted to life in Portland?
Adjusting to life on and off the field has been a challenge. I do know that with time and hard work I will adjust more and more every day. I’m going to overcome the challenges that life puts in front of me.
You played with the Timbers in a CCL match. What was it like for you to get your first experiences with the first team?
The experience with the first team was amazing. In Colombia I had the opportunity to play with a professional first team as well. However here, with the support of the fans, it’s just fantastic and it motivates you to go out on the field with a little more confidence.
Now that the season and end of season training has concluded, what does the rest of the offseason look like for you as you prepare for the 2017 season?
My goal is to continue to work hard and be ready for next year so I can contribute more to the team, and hopefully things will work out in such a way that at the end we make it to the playoffs. That’s my goal.
